The entire world is all set to experience the thrills of the Olympics. The multi-sport event is all set to take place in Paris from July 26 to 11 August. Athletes across the globe are doing all their last-time preparation. At this moment. South African athlete Wayde van Niekerk will not participate in the Men’s 400m race at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Niekerk Withdrawn His Name from 400m:
Wayde van Niekerk has decided not to compete in the 400m event at the Paris Olympic Games. According to a report, Van Niekerk has withdrawn from the discipline to focus on assisting South Africa’s 4x400m and 4x100m relay teams in their quest for podium finishes. The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee confirmed that Van Niekerk’s withdrawal was at the request of Athletics South Africa.
In the 2016 Rio Olympics, Van Niekerk achieved one of the most remarkable feats in Olympic history by breaking Michael Johnson’s longstanding 400m world record of 43.18 seconds. Running from lane eight, he stunned the world with a breathtaking time of 43.03 seconds.
He Will Concentrate on the 200m Race:
The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee have officially announced that Wayde van Niekerk will compete in the 200m event at the Paris Olympics. Additionally, he is included in the pool of athletes eligible for selection in both the men’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams.
South Africa has secured spots in both relays, with high expectations following their silver medal performance at the 2024 World Relays. The relay heats are scheduled to begin on August 8, coinciding with the day of the 200m final.
Among the other South African athletes who qualified for the 200m are Shaun Maswanganyi and Benjamin Richardson, who outpaced Van Niekerk to claim victory in the event at the South African Championships. However, Luxolo Adams, another qualifier for the 200m, may miss out due to injury concerns.
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