NATIONAL NEWS - Athletes have joined the chorus of praise for South Africa’s gold Olympic medalist Wayde van Niekerk.
Van Niekerk won Team South Africa’s first gold at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, setting a new world record in the 400m, with a time of 43.03 seconds.
The world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, trained with Van Nierkerk in the build up to the Games and says he was confident Van Niekerk would break the record today.
“When he got the world record I was like ‘wow he did it’. I told him in Jamaica when he was there that my coach said you’re probably the only guy right now that can break this 400ms record because he’s got speed and he’s got strength and you came out and proved me right. I’m really happy for him.”
Akani Simbine, who finished fifth in the 100m final, is roommates with Van Niekerk and says he was confident he would shine on the biggest stage.
“Wayde is amazing. Spending three months every year with him I always knew that he could be this great and I always knew that he could break the record and I know that you’ve some a friend is such an amazing feeling.”
