WAYDE van Niekerk completed his first journey around the Tokyo track in his quest to defend the Olympic title he won in such spectacular style in Rio five years ago.
On an oppressively hot day in the Japanese capital, the world record holder reached the line relatively comfortably, finishing third to secure an automatic qualification place in the semifinals in 45.25 – the 12th fastest time of the day.
Botswana’s Isaac Makwala was second fastest behind American Michael Cherry, after winning his heat in 44.86.
“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 a relaxed-looking Van Niekerk afterwards, although he did admit to some pre-race jitters.
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. But he’s confident his body will hold up.
“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 semifinals 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 semifinals on Monday with the final scheduled for Thursday.
Van Niekerk will have one less threat to worry about going forward.
American Randolph Ross, who has the fastest time in the world this year in the one-lap event of 43.85, failed to make it past the first round after finishing fourth in his heat in 45.67.
“It has been a long year. I expected to come in and perform better than I did,” Ross admitted after the race. “Coming out the first 100m I already wasn’t where I wanted to be.”
Meanwhile, two other South Africans were also in first-round action in the 400m. Zakithi Nene finished fifth in his heat in 45.75 while Thapelo Phora also finished fifth in his in 45.83, with neither progressing to the semifinals.
Clearly struggling with the conditions similar to what were experienced at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Phora said: “It was extremely hot. I can’t handle the heat – I’m overheating now.
“Honestly I came to the track and I did my best. I just came in, went out hard. I was hoping to make the semifinals but when the body says no there’s nothing you can do. But I’m not complaining. I’m happy but sad at the same time. I’ll fix it next year. I ran another 45 so I’m happy with the result but definitely next year I’m going to drop the times.”
As for what he thinks of his teammate’s chances of defending his title, Phora added: “I honestly believe in Wayde. He has a lot in the tank, and I think he’s going to do it again.”
- Supersport
