Wayde Van Niekerk happy to race again after injury

Van Niekerk had to pull out of the SA Senior Track and Field Championships in Cape Town last year due to a knee injury. 

The two-time world champion clocked 45.99 to secure his place in the semis in his first race of the year at the on-going National Championships at the Puk MacArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom yesterday.

"Physically, I've been doing quite well, I feel strong. I've been putting in the hard work, just trying to put my best foot forward every time I have an opportunity,' he said.

In July last year, Van Niekerk failed to make the finals bowing out of the World Championships in the USA in the semi-finals.

Van Niekerk has struggled to run 43 seconds since he got injured in 2018, he says he is taking it one step at a time.

"I'm hoping for some mental strength and some physical strength as well to try and overcome the barriers. Everything is a stepping stone, I'm just trying to do what needs to be done when I get an opportunity to push and compete," he added.

He says he is more focused on running a world-leading time in Potch.

"I think for me what's important is my physical and what I can do during a race set up. I'm not ready to face down the title but I want quality races. I want to put on some great competitions to be amongst the world lead and that's my goal. Let's what happens in the next two days," he concluded.