World here we come

WE MUST SHOW WE BELONG AMONG THE GREATEST

After taking the initiative to promote the SA Senior Championships with a successful social media campaign, and following up with spectacular performances over two days of competition, 400m world record-holder Wayde van Niekerk says the country’s elite track and field athletes are ready to fight to lift the status of their sport.

Van Niekerk was one of the star performers at Puk McArthur Stadium, storming to gold in the men’s 200m final in a personal best of 19.90sec on Saturday.

he day before, he had finished second behind close friend and fierce rival Akani Simbine in the 100m contest.

Simbine, who had launched the #FillUpPotch campaign ahead of the event, won in 9.95, with Van Niekerk taking silver in 10.04, clocking the same time as 21-year-old Thando Roto in third place.

“This weekend shows the quality we have right now and it excites me, the whole movement we got through FillUpPotch, and the statement we’ve made as a track and field nation,” Van Niekerk said.

“I think we’ve put our foot down and have shown not only our country, but the world, that we love our sport and we’re willing to fight for it.”

Following a national revolution in sprint events over the last few years, Van Niekerk believed they could stamp their place among the world’s best, proving they had the quality and depth to compete.

“I think it’s time as South Africans that we step up and show the world we belong among the greatest.

“The Americans and Jamaicans are people we look up to, and we want to be part of that and add South Africa to that list.”

Van Niekerk’s half-lap victory delivered a significant statement to his opponents as he prepared to attempt the 200m and 400m double at the World Champs in London in August.

Should he earn two gold medals at the biennial showpiece, he would join American legend Michael Johnson as the only athletes to have achieved the remarkable double.

Despite missing Anaso Jobodwana’s national record by 0.03 after taking his foot off the accelerator over the last 20 metres on Saturday, he was delighted with his performance.

“It’s such a soothing feeling, and I feel so good knowing I have put down a solid time,” he said. Also see Page 5