Menzi Magubane
World records holder Wayde van Niekerk completed his first journey around the Tokyo track in his quest to defend the Olympic title he won in spectacular fashion in Rio five years ago.
On an oppressively hot day in the Japanese capital, Van Niekerk reached the line relatively comfortably, finishing third to secure an automatic qualification place in the semi-finals in a time of 45.25 – the 12th fastest time of the day.
“I wouldn’t say it was tough. I went out quite strong, felt quite comfortable, switched off a bit too soon but got the job done,” said Van Niekerk.
The 29-year-old has had a troubled build-up to these Games with very little racing as he continues his comeback from a 2017 knee injury that kept him sidelined for several years.
“The body feels good, positive. I feel quite happy and comfortable with how things are looking at the moment. The goal was top two and I obviously came a bit short but I’m still there in the semi-finals and there’s a job that needs to be done tomorrow.
“I didn’t push too hard this time around and made it through so that means I’ve got a little extra left, but we’ll take it day by day.”
Asked about the blazing heat on the track, which had several other athletes sporting ice vests, Van Niekerk reckoned: “They are conditions that we all have to face. It’s not like the heat is only in my lane so all of us are busy facing the same challenges. For me I feel like it’s a positive. I love the heat. It relaxes my body quite a bit, so I take it as it comes.”
The South African will contest the semi-finals on Monday with the final scheduled for Thursday.
Picture source@eyewitnesnews
