Kraaifontein’s Wayde van Niekerk became the first athlete in history to run under 10 seconds in the 100m, 20 seconds in the 200m and 44 seconds in the 400m. The athletics world has been rocked with an iconic achievement, from a young man who has dreamed of this day since childhood.
Van Niekerk sealed this historic hat-trick in Bloemfontein on Saturday, when he ran 100m in 9.98 seconds. His personal best over 200m and 400m, had already earned him a place in South African athletics history; but what took place this weekend, ushered the 23-year-old into global legendary status.
Born on 15 July 1992 to sporting parents, Wayde seems to have always been destined for sporting greatness. Even the former world and Olympic champion Michael Johnson wrote on Twitter: “…That’s crazy. Great things could be ahead for Wayde.”
All of South Africa is truly proud, and every Capetonian should be extra proud too. Here at ‘Vannie Kaap’, we will be going bos in celebrations for quite some time yet!
