Last weekend was pretty special for South Africa.
Cape Town born Wayde van Niekerk became the first man in history to achieve times under 10 seconds for the 100m sprint, under 20 seconds for the 200m, and under 44 seconds for the 400m.
Wayde’s achievement was confirmed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
The latest record – a sub-10-second 100m sprint – was achieved on Saturday 12 March, in Bloemfontein, South Africa, which is also the City where he is currently studying.
The record also means that Wayde has qualified for the 100 m sprint in the Rio Olympics later this year – pretty impressive for a 23-year-old.
Wayde initially made his mark after winning the men’s 400m final at the IAAF Championship in Beijing last year.
If his current form is anything to go by, the Olympics should be very special to watch.
Congratulations to him – and it’s truly special for Africa.
I hope our friends in the fourth estate – the media – and other sectors of society give this the noise and attention it deserves.
Here are the three different times Wayde broke records, earning him this special place in history:
Wayde running a sub-10-second 100m in Bloemfontein:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq7pqlv3nso&feature=youtu.be
Wayde breaking the 200m record:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdGNGTakO8w&feature=youtu.be
Wayde winning the 400m men’s final at the IAAF Championships: