Manyonga, Mokoka back Wayde for IAAF top prize
Sprinter’s performances dubbed ‘extraordinary’
After handing Wayde van Niekerk a rare podium defeat at the recent SA Sport Awards, Mzansi Sports Star Luvo Manyonga believes the 400m world champion stands a good chance of winning the IAAF Athlete of the Year award tonight.
“Chances are fair to all,” said Manyonga of his compatriot’s prospect against fellow nominees Mohammed “Mo” Farah of Britain and Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim, for global athletics’ top prize.
Manyonga – who made the long list of the candidates for the coveted IAAF gong – is among a small band of South African guest athletes invited to the gala event in Monaco tonight.
The world long jump champion beat Van Niekerk to the SA Awards’ ultimate prize – the Sports Star and Sportsman of the Year gongs.
Meanwhile, Shanghai Marathon champion Stephen Mokoka has put his money on Van Niekerk becoming the first South African in 14 years to scoop the IAAF award, after high jumper Hestrie Cloete in 2003.
“Wayde’s performances were extraordinary – especially at the World Championships where he won two medals in a few days without rest,” said Mokoka.
Van Niekerk came closest to achieving a double triumph in London, retaining his 400m title, and two days later, in his sixth race, missed out on a 200m gold medal by just 0.02 seconds.
In Farah (10 000m world champion) and Barshim (high jump champ), the Olympic 400m champion faces candidates who also defended their specialist events in London and went a step better with a Diamond League title.
Van Niekerk is recovering from a knee operation. It is unclear if he will attend the event in Monaco.