Wayde van Niekerk turns back the clock to qualify for 400m final at world champs

Wayde van Niekerk was the quickest over the first 200m of all three 400m semi-finals, and that was enough to help him go all the way to the line and secure a spot in the final at the world athletics championships on Thursday morning (SA time).

The 30-year-old world-record holder ran 20.97 seconds over the first half lap, and was able to finish the race in 44.75 in Eugene, Oregon in the Wednesday evening session at Hayward Field.

Van Niekerk was caught over the last few metres by American star Champion Allison, who won the semi-final in 44.71.

But that won't matter to Van Niekerk, who advanced to his first major championship final since the 2017 worlds, having crashed out in the semi-finals of last year's Tokyo Olympics.

The South African managed to hold off the fast-finishing Jonathan Jones of Barbados, who clocked 44.78, to claim the second automatic qualifying position - although Jones also made it to the final as a 'fastest loser'.

Pleased to see Wayde back in top form.

Trust that he is in top form for the final.

Hoping that he has a good run and medals.

Anyone who's followed his injury plaqued setbacks let alone the injury itself(2017)  will know that for him to make the final is a win in itself. TBH I've never believed anyone can be rehabilitated from a serious knee like the one he suffered. Wow! Five years later and he's in the final....how's that for tenacity and self belief!?

A once in a lifetime athlete who had the potential to surpass Usain Bolt's records.

Go Wayde!

Well done Wayde you are a fantastic example of courage, determination and class to have made the final.

Even though you did not medal you came back from a major injury to claim your position as one of the best 400m runners in the world.

We are proud of you and hope that you will continue with your sporting career and receive the earned rewards both financially and on the track.

Good luck and Vasbyt.

Nope….Wayde was never, ever going to surpass Bolt’s records…..that’s pure ignorance. He is a great 400 metres runner…not a 100 metres contender. The usual mindless blather.

In the end he was beaten for pace down the final straight. Right after this man broke the 400m record, the silly idea of switching to the more newsworthy short sprints emerged. It was never going to happen.

100 metres runners are explosive muscular guys who can achieve high top ends for short distances. Van Niekerk sustained his top end for longer than most, winning his races down the final straight.

At the World’s he looked like a shadow of the once great quarter miler. He could have ruled that distance for years but for the unnecessary injury. A pity, but this race was a bit of reality, hardly turning back the clock.