Olympic record holder Wayde van Niekerk booked his place in today’s 400m semifinals to keep his dream of win-back-to-back Olympic medals alive.
The 29-year-old secured a third-place finish in the 400m heat four when he clocked 45.25 seconds at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday.
He kept his hopes of defending his Olympic title alive when he secured a place in the semifinals and said that he is slowly growing in confidence. “It was a great race for me. I was a little bit nervous before the race. I had a good 200m and shut down a bit too soon. I am slowly regaining my confidence. I am in the semifinals, and that is what matters at the moment,” said a relieved Van Niekerk.
The former varsity athletics star said he wants to get to the final and win a medal for his country. He said the situation of the Covid-19 back at home was difficult for all South Africans, and he wants to give them something to celebrate.
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