I am still basking in the euphoria of the race I just watched, one of athletics finest moments in history.
I watched as South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk stunned the whole world with the fastest race ever in the 400 meters with a time or 43:03 meters. Even more, he shattered American Micheal Johnson’s world record of 43.18 and Olympic Record of 43.49 from 1996 when he won the 200-400 meter double.
The 24 year old South African became the first man to win the Olympic gold from Lane 8 as well and in 96 years.
Kirani James of Grenada took second and LaShawn Merrit finished in the bronze medal position. The three men for the first time in Olympic history ran the race in under 44 seconds. Merritt was second in 43.65 and James was third in 43.78.
Speaking on Wayde van Niekerk’s outstanding performance, a very gracious Michael Johnson said:
“It was great to see as a fan of the sport. People ask me all the time how long my record is going to last. You never know. It’s always a joy and a surprise to see a world record. This atmosphere needed it, to get this championship really going. He was under tremendous pressure and I think that helped him as well, knowing that LeShawn Merritt and Kirani James were going to put him under pressure,” he said on the BBC.
It was as if Wayde van Niekerk had wings on his heels during the last 50meteres. Unbelievable!!!
Am still stunned, as I watched it all unfold, indeed he seemed to enter another gear in the last 50m of the race, am so happy for him esp as he shattered the world record. Sometimes I wonder when this would ever happen to a Nigerian.
Manny the long lost MDB’er