Wayde van Niekerk and Akani Simbane shine in Diamond League events

400m world record holder van Niekerk has endured trying times in recent seasons with injuries, but the sprinter showed he is back to his world-beating best in Poland on Sunday.

Running in the 400m final, van Niekerk set a meeting record with a sizzling time of 44.08 seconds. The time is his fastest since 2017, but still a second shy of his world record.

"Things are moving in a positive direction," said the Cape Town native, who set the world record 43.03s at the 2016 Olympic Games.  

"I have been able to train consistently. It is my fastest run in seven years and 44.0 shows that 43 seconds is possible. The competition in my event is getting stronger, so I need to work to get better as well."

Also flying the South African flag high was 100m specialist Simbine. The national record holder crossed the line in 9.97 seconds, edging American world champion Fred Kerley.

"I feel good about today's race, nothing was missing, I got my job done," said the 29-year-old from Kempton Park. 

"I won against all of them, not only against the world champion. I am the first to beat Fred this year, we have a good friendship, a good rivalry. I am very satisfied with my performance and hope to continue my good form."

Van Niekerk and Simbane will look to continue their form at the World Championship in Budapest, Hungary, next month.