Wayde itches for little-run race
Olympic champion promises fans ‘a show’ at Golden Spike tonight
Ostrava, Czech Republic – South African track sensation Wayde van Niekerk vowed to get “ridiculous” when he competes in the little-run 300m at tonight’s Golden Spike meet in Ostrava.
The world and Olympic 400m champion said he would do everything to break the meeting record set by his role model Usain Bolt, back in 2010.
The world record of 30.85sec, set in Pretoria in 2000 by Michael Johnson, is seconded by Bolt’s 30.97, with Van Niekerk third in the rankings, having run 31.03 in Kingston last year.
“I’ve had a few good runs this season so far,” said the 24-year-old Van Niekerk.
“I’ve been moving quite quick in the 100m and 200m, but I’ve still got quite a lot to do to get fit for the 300m and 400m. This is another stepping stone to see where I’m lying at the moment.
“We want to grow, do better and break records. I’ll give it my all and try to improve my time.
“It’s not really an official event, so I’m going to go out there and be ridiculous tomorrow [tonight], I’ve got nothing to lose. It’s the only 300m of the year... I’ll try and give you a show.
“It’s a massive test. I’m going to have to go out there and push myself a bit to feel where I’m lying so if I don’t make it to the finish line I hope there’ll be someone there to pick me up.”
Bolt backed Van Niekerk for great things, describing the South African as desperate to get one over him.
“Wayde definitely wants to run faster than me so he can have something to brag about. He’s in good shape, I see him running the 200m in 19sec, he ran a personal best over the 100m, that shows he’s in good shape,” the Jamaican said.
Bolt added: “Wayde’s a chilled guy and he works hard. He’s a person who doesn’t complain at all, which is shocking ... even when his coach kills him with a hard programme, which shows the determination.
“He’s a really cool guy, very level-headed and he will be one of the best in the sport, without any doubt.” –