Wayde van Niekerk will NOT run 400m at 2024 Paris Olympics
The gold medal-winning, world record-holding South African speedster will not compete in his best event at the Olympics.
South African athlete, Wayde Van Niekerk. Picture: AFP
South African runner Wayde Van Niekerk will not compete in the men’s 400m at this year’s Olympic Games.
The South Africa Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee confirmed to Olympics.com that he is only listed to compete in the men’s 200m.
He is also listed in the pool of runners available for selection for the men’s relay teams.
Team SA qualified for the 4x100m and the 4x400m where the team is considered a medal contender.
Van Niekerk won two world titles and an Olympic gold for the 400m at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
He also holds the 400m world record.
What happened?
Since returning from a career-threatening knee injury, Van Niekerk has struggled.
He has withdrawn from several races this year as a precautionary measure.
Van Niekerk raced once in the 400m in June this year, finishing third at the New York City Grand Prix.