The countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympics is well underway and the top athletes are doing some last-minute preparations for the performance of a lifetime on one of the biggest athletic stages in the world. South African gold medal winner and world record holder Wayde Van Niekerk will not be participating in the men’s 400m race.
After a stellar gold-winning performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, many eyes were on him this year to see whether he would repeat his legendary performance or crumble under pressure. Unfortunately, due to a career-threatening injury previously sustained, Wayde’s form is not where it needs to be for him to compete in his usual events.
The South Africa Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has confirmed to the official Olympic website that the athlete will be focusing on the 200m dash, which will also make him eligible to run the 4x1oom race. Wayde’s participation in this race will change the trajectory for South Africa, as they stand a chance at the podium with him on the team.
SuperSport has announced the news on their X (formally Twitter) page.
400m world record holder, Wayde van Niekerk, will focus on the 200m at #Paris2024. pic.twitter.com/xlKDmZ5AkD
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 10, 2024
Wayde will be joined by Shaun Maswangwanyi and Benjamin Richardson, who beat Van Niekerk in the 200m at the South African Championship, while Luxolo Adams who had also previously qualified is doubtful due to an injury.
In an interview with Behind the Ruck Podcast earlier this year, the athlete admitted that the disappointment of 2023 is his motivation for this year’s Olympics. “We all want to win the final of a world championship, which didn’t work out that well for me, but it is definitely a driving force. It should make me hungrier because I came so close,” he said.
Also see: Reactions to Wayde van Niekerk breaking 17-year-old Olympic record
