Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Wayde’s glorious gold victory brings sheer joy to South Africans everywhere
It’s party time as Van Niekerk delivers on the track, writes SAMEER NAIK
PROFESSOR Jonathan Jansen had little doubt that Wayde van Niekerk, one of his students, would win gold in the 400m event at the World Athletic Championships in Beijing on Wednesday. In fact, earlier that day the University of Free State (UFS) rector and vice-chancellor had already sent a message to students at the institution inviting them to celebrate Van Niekerk’s victory even before he had run his race.
It read: “Students, we gather from 14h00 in the large Callie Human Hall to watch UFS student Wayde van Niekerk win the 400m finals at the World Championships.
“We have arranged food and drinks to celebrate. For you busy ones, it will only take 43.01 seconds.”
While the world may have been left stunned by the 23-year-old’s gold medal that day, Jansen was confident the marketing student would deliver the goods.
“He did it. Ms World (Rolene Strauss) and now Mr World Champion over 400m. Oh man, I love my students. Well done, Wayde,” Jansen tweeted after Van Niekerk took gold at the championships.
Jansen said he had eaten 10 hotdogs out of sheer excitement after watching Van Niekerk make history by becoming the world champion, as well as producing the fastest time in the world for eight years. The 400m runner outpaced LaShawn Merritt of the US. Kirani James of Grenada finished third.
Jansen sent his message of congratulations to Van Niekerk after the race. It read: “Dear Wayde, I wish you could see the hundreds of students celebrating this enormous victory over the world’s best 400m athletes. You have no idea how proud the 30 000 students of the University of the Free State are this evening. Now come home, to your campus, so that the real party can begin. Well done, my student.”
Van Niekerk topped his personal best, which had stood at 43.96 seconds. His winning time of 43.48 seconds put him sixth on the all-time list – only three men have run faster – and also meant he is now the fastest non-American in history.
Van Niekerk was stretchered off the track after being overcome with exhaustion. He was taken to hospital for a check-up but later released. Unable to attend the press conference after his win, he thanked South Africans for their support via Twitter.
“Good morning all. Extremely sorry if I can’t thank each and everyone. But I am really thankful for all the messages, I truly appreciate it,” he tweeted on Thursday.
“It was an honour representing my country and making you all proud. I am all fine, just made the wrong decision to sit down last night… really love, cherish and appreciate everyone.”
South African sports figures, including Ernie Els, congratulated Van Niekerk on his achievement: “Congrats @Waydedreamer doing SA proud. Amazing time to win 400m final.”
Gary Player said: “Amazing 400m performance by @Waydedreamer. Proud of you, my friend. Congratulations on your gold medal.”
Elana Meyer tweeted: “Gold for @Waydedreamer at the IAAF champs. Dream run. New personal best. SA record.”