Wayde van Niekerk at the Athletix Grand Prix Athletics Series in 2018. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Wayde van Niekerk splits with coach Tannie Ans to boost Olympic hopes
Wayde van Niekerk will be shifting up a gear in his preparation for this year’s Tokyo Olympics by joining a new training group in the USA.
Wayde van Niekerk at the Athletix Grand Prix Athletics Series in 2018. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Having made an explosive comeback last year after recovering from a serious knee injury, South African sprint sensation Wayde van Niekerk will be shifting up a gear in his preparation for this year’s Tokyo Olympics by joining a new training group in the United States.
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Wayde van Niekerk, 28, the defending Olympic champion and world record holder in the 400m event, will sharpen up for the Olympics under renowned sprint mentor Lance Brauman.
His training partners at his new base in Claremont, Florida will include the likes of American sprinter Noah Lyles, the 200m world champion; and Bahamian athlete Shaunae Miller-Uibo, the women’s Olympic 400m gold medallist.
“I’ve spent most of my career under the guidance of ‘Tannie’ Ans Botha at my home base in Bloemfontein and I can’t express the gratitude I have for everything she has done to help me get to this point in my career,” said Wayde van Niekerk.
“As much as I have enjoyed my experience with Tannie Ans and her group, I am hoping to break my world record (43.03 seconds) and to do that I need to ensure I am training alongside the world’s best sprinters. So I feel a temporary move to the United States will be in my best interests for the immediate future.
“I look forward to working with my new coach and training partners, and I hope to continue carrying the South African flag with pride at international level.”
