Pic Courtesy: SASCOC
Early this morning, South African history was made. Sprinter, Wayde van Niekerk remarkably broke an Olympic 400 metre world record which was set by Michael Johnson 17 years ago. He broke it in 43.03 seconds, which is 15 seconds quicker than the previous record holder and won gold at the Rio Olympics that are currently underway. This was great performance by Wayde and we’re incredibly proud of him; it’s truly inspirational. Sport fans from all over the world took to social media to congratulate the athlete. Check out their reactions below.
ICYMI: The moment #WaydevanNiekerk set a World Record
Dear African child, nothing is impossible. #MondayMotivation https://t.co/faqXvvwuB3
— Karabo Mokgoko (@Kay_Angel) August 15, 2016
When you wake up feeling like @WaydeDreamer ☝
National #WaydevanNiekerk day #Rio2016 #Gold #ProudlySA #TeamSA pic.twitter.com/Nn5fcuXYd1
— Katlego Maboe (@KatlegoMaboe) August 15, 2016
Legends…World record holders…Golden Stars! #WaydevanNiekerk & #UsainBolt. ✊✊✊ pic.twitter.com/tnUeRQaS3p
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) August 15, 2016
First South African 400m champion in 96 years.#WaydevanNiekerk
— lesego. (@Leighxx__) August 15, 2016
Congratulations #WaydevanNiekerk for winning a gold medal & setting a new world record in #Rio2016 Great role model pic.twitter.com/kBraC3zx7T
— Adv Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) August 15, 2016
Other runners might as well become astronauts with all that space that #Wayde left behind #WaydevanNiekerk pic.twitter.com/3o2sxkMeIS
— Ronald Phiri (@RonaldPhiri01) August 15, 2016
Honey I’m home! Where’s everyone? #WaydevanNiekerk pic.twitter.com/an1GuZC9wI
— Pablo Lekovisch (@Leko_M) August 15, 2016
Here is why I respect #UsainBolt “he made his way up the stairs to congratulate #WaydevanNiekerk” pic.twitter.com/QnaTUTB4Ep
— Jerome Damon (@jerome_k_damon) August 15, 2016
Dream chasers_. South African child it is possible. #VanNiekerk #Rio2016
A photo posted by Thabi Moru (@thabi_moru) on
This moment when Wayde van Niekerk crossed the line & set a New WR will never be forgotten. #Gold #Rio2016 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/KVJE6JZteC
— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) August 15, 2016