Former world champion Wayde van Niekerk will lead the South Africa team at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Photo: Morgan Treacy/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix
Wayde van Niekerk wins on Diamond League return in Oslo
South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk won the 400m event at the Diamond League event in Oslo on Thursday after a six-year absence.
Former world champion Wayde van Niekerk will lead the South Africa team at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Photo: Morgan Treacy/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix
South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk won the 400m event at the Diamond League event in Oslo on Thursday after a six-year absence.
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Van Niekerk finished in a time of 44.38.
Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga took second place in 44.49, while Vernon Norwood of the USA was third in 44.51.
South Africa’s Zakhiti Nene finished seventh in 45.34.
Post-race, Van Niekerk took to Instagram to write: “Thank you Oslo Norway Box checked ✔️I really enjoyed the race and experience. 44.38 some consistent results moving forward.”
Wayde van Niekerk is the men’s 400m world record holder
Van Niekerk’s time wasn’t a season’s best after he posted 44.17 to win the South African national title in April this year.
However, his form after a series of injury setbacks bodes well as he builds his form towards the World Championships to be held in Oregon in the USA from 19-27 August 2023.
Wayde van Niekerk is the men’s 400m world record holder having posted 43.03 in winning the gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
