– Niall Kelly reports from the Olympic Stadium, Rio de Janeiro
SOUTH AFRICA’S WAYDE van Niekerk smashed Michael Johnson’s 17-year-old world record as he produced a blistering run from lane eight to take 400m gold.
Van Niekerk’s time was clocked at 43.03, taking a huge 0.45 seconds off his personal best — and lowering Johnson’s 1999 world record by 0.15 seconds.
Defending champion Kirani James took silver in 43.76 with America’s LaShawn Merritt, winner of the race in Beijing in 2008, third in 43.85.
“I believed I could get the world record,” the 24-year-old said as he completed the world championship/Olympics double.
“I’ve dreamed of this medal since forever. I am blessed.”
Times showed that Van Niekerk was faster than Johnson’s 1999 run at every 100-metre split — and slowed as he came to the line, running his final 100 in 12.1 seconds.
“That was a massacre by Van Niekerk,” Johnson told the BBC.
He is so young, what else can he do? Can he go under 43 seconds? It is something I thought I could do, but never did.
“Usain Bolt will be retiring soon, this could be the next star.
