Bolt inspired me, confesses Wayde

– Training with Jamaican athletics legend Usain Bolt gave Wayde van Niekerk the self-belief he could break Michael Johnson’s 400m world record, he told The Times.

The 24-year-old South African duly delivered in perhaps the performance of last year’s athletics at the Olympics in Rio posting a time of 43.03 in the final to smash Johnson’s 17-year-old mark of 43.18.

“I got to realise we are all human beings and that what’s possible for him (Bolt) is possible for me,” said Van Niekerk, referring to the three weeks he spent training with Bolt last year. ‘‘His environment is no different to ours. That was a massive confidence-booster.’’

Van Niekerk conceded with Bolt due to bow out after the World Athletics Championships in London in August he is not the man to replace him as the poster boy or showman of the sport.

“I am not that type but I see qualities I share with Usain Bolt, and that brings a form of comfort even if it won’t sell T-shirts.” – AFP