Only one sub-44 time posted in the men’s 400m this season but world champion Wayde van Niekerk believes more is on the way at the Rio Olympic Games.
Former Olympic champion LaShawn Merritt of the United States dipped below the magical mark to claim the favourites tag.
That is of course only based on the 43.97 seconds he ran at the United States trials in June while many of the front-runners have been relatively quiet this season but it could be the storm brewing.
“The guys are looking sharp this year but obviously a sub-44 would probably win it,” Van Niekerk said ahead of Friday’s heats.
“It’s been shown every year that a sub-44 is what will take it and there’s about five guys that have done it this far so we’ll see. It’s going to be very tough and hopefully I’ll be in there with them.”
Last year Van Niekerk produced the sixth fastest time ever clocking 43.48 seconds to claim the world title in Beijing last year.
He also dragged Merritt, and defending Olympic champion Kirani James of Grenada below 44 seconds as the three completed the podium.
The field will include four athletes that have dipped below 44 seconds, and more are expected to reach that feat.
Going into the Games as the world champion, and with the third fastest time this season of 44.11s, Van Niekerk is considered one of the favourites.
Van Niekerk admitted he felt some pressure but he has made peace with the fact it would always be there no matter the competition.
“Is there any less pressure in sport? I mean there’s always pressure if you like it or not,” Van Niekerk said.
“I can go into an SAs and I’ll have pressure so it’s always there – it’s always part of the game. It’s why we do what we do.”
After leading the South African team out at the opening ceremony last Saturday he has settled in at the athlete’s village putting the final touches on his preparations for Friday.
Van Niekerk beamed when he spoke about carrying the South African flag into the Maracanã Stadium.
“It was amazing. Just the team environment was something special – I got to share that opportunity with so many guys that inspire me as an athlete and so many guys who are friends with me,” he said.
“I mean you saw the moment we walked out there the guys behind me were losing their minds.
“I had a glimpse of them and saw how crazy they were going and it just brought joy to me – knowing that we are representing our country in a positive light through whichever circumstances there were to get there.”
Van Niekerk will have a full compliment of family members in Rio to cheer him on and share in the big moment.
“I made sure that I sorted eight of my family members out but I heard there’s 10 of them coming now,” Van Niekerk said.
“They made sure they joined the trip and so on. It’s amazing having my family here. I mean if I had to think about it a few years ago – or even last year – we couldn’t afford something like that.
“Now I have 10 family members joining me. It’s just amazing that they can join this journey with me and this experience.”
Independent Media