The SA Olympian and 400 metres World Record holder, Wayde van Niekerk, is the new SA champion in the 400 metres after a run of 44.17 seconds in the final today at the NWU McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom.
Bouyed on by a lively Potch crowd, Van Niekerk (Boland) blasted past his competitors to show his class.
This was Van Niekerk’s fifth SA title and the first since 2016.
Lythe Pillay (Central Gauteng Athletics) took second with a personal best time of 44.80. Gardeo Isaacs took third in 45.15 seconds.
Van Niekerk has struggled for a number of years due to injuries and this race was a return to form for the world record holder and one of SA’s premier athletes.
Van Niekerk (30) gave glory to God for his victory and stated that he kept faith even during difficult times.
“It is all in God’s hands. It’s been a very difficult journey. This is the first time in a while I’ve had a smile on my face,” he added post race.
Van Niekerk also praised his competitors, stating that he needed to give his all in the final.
In other results, ACNW’s Rogail Joseph took bronze in the women’s 400m hurdles race in a time of 56.39 seconds.
The favourite from Athletics Gauteng North, Zeney van der Walt took gold in 54.82 seconds. Tylon Bieldt took silver in 55.82 seconds.
In the women’s 20km walk ACNW dominated taking all three podium places. Jessica Groenewald took gold in 1:53:22, Janise Nell (silver) in 1:57:32 and Annette Koen (bronze) in 1:59:58.
Antonio Farmer (ACNW) took bronze om the men’s 20km walk in a time of 1:35:56.
Burger Lamprechts (ACNW) also shone on home soil taking gold in shot-put. He threw a distance of 20.30 metres.
