Wayde van Niekerk has run his way to the 400m men’s finals at the World Athletics Championship in Oregon, United States. He is celebrating after being away from the sport for five years.
Oregon, United States (21 July 2022) – Wayde van Niekerk, the 400m Men’s World Record holder and proudly South African athlete, is representing South Africa at the World Athletics Championship. After his athletic comeback last month, he has made it to the finals.
Van Niekerk has been undergoing a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation period after he faced an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The injury occurred during a game of celebrity rugby for charity in 2017. Not wanting to cause irreparable damage, he took his time through the recovery process to ensure he could come back to the sport without concern for the injury. With the pandemic, it meant he had to face even more time away from the track.
However, he is back now and celebrating!
Since being at the World Athletics Championship, he has run first and second places in his two races so far. In the 400m on the 17th of July, he came first with a time of 45.18. Yesterday, the 20th of July, he ran the 400m and came second with a time of 44.75.
These incredible races have earned him a place in the 400m finals! We cannot wait to hear the outcome of that race. The race takes place on the evening of the 22nd of July 2022 in Oregon, which is 04:35 am on the morning of the 23rd of July in South Africa.
Wayde shared his reaction on Twitter. Take a look below.
1786 days, 5 years later and I’m back in the finals!!!
All glory to God, for His grace🙏🏽
We keep working this is a new beginning to so much more.
God is Good!!! pic.twitter.com/i7WHMAJ4B8— Wayde van Niekerk (@WaydeDreamer) July 21, 2022
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