The amazing new world of Wayde
SPRINTER REAPING REWARDS
FRESH from a long-haul flight from Italy via France, Wayde van Niekerk arrived in the country yesterday to the realities of his new-found superstar status.
The SA 400m Olympic gold medallist and world record holder emerged from the OR Tambo International Airport international arrivals terminal shortly after 11am amid a heavy police and airport private security personnel escort, who guided him straight to an awaiting multimillion rand supercar from his sponsors.
The Audi R8 – worth almost R3-million – is one of Van Niekerk’s array of endorsement deals, and they are all lining up to reward him for obliterating Michael Johnson’s 17-year-old record over the one-lap event.
He was also presented with a cheque for R1-million by TSystems, a telecoms company that signed him up just before the Rio Olympics.
Van Niekerk’s mother, Odessa Swarts, who was among a throng of well-wishers yesterday, even went as far as conceding that “finally you actually realise your son is the new Michael Johnson and nothing can top that at the end of the day”.
The proud mother added: “I don’t think this will change him at all, instead, this will make him work hard knowing that so many people are investing in him. His dream is now to open doors for other athletes.”
While Van Niekerk has always remained modest about his achievements, he conceded that he should get used to his cult hero’s status.
The attention he hogged yesterday almost overshadowed the presence of his coach Anna Botha and that of close friend and national teammate Akani Simbine, who all travelled with Van Niekerk on the same flight.
“I can’t really say my life has changed, I am taking it step by step and I am enjoying the moment. Obviously, with that comes a lot of hype and attention, something that I need to get used to. I feel blessed and I’m so grateful for everything. I gave God all the praise after my race,” said a clearly exhausted Van Niekerk, who had remained in Europe to spend time with some of his sponsors abroad.
Regarding the extraordinary reception yesterday he said: “I’m always thankful for the amazing support that I get all round. It is something I always cherish and use as motivation.”
The world and national 400m champion said his feat, and that of Simbine – a 100m Rio finalist – regenerated interest in domestic athletics.
“If this is an indication, I’d love to tell SA that this is only the beginning for SA athletics. There’s so much potential. We’re coming hard and coming big. Keep on supporting us we’ll make you proud.”
Up next, Van Niekerk said he can’t wait to get home. “I’ll go out there, get a few fines and then take a rest,” he said tongue-in-cheek, referring to his supercar.