In some circles world 400 meters record holder Wayde van Niekerk is seen as the successor to the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt.
Bolt brought a brand of showmanship and glitter that was lacking from the sport and while admitting that he will never be the showman Bolt is, van Niekerk believes there are similarities between himself and world’s fastest man Usain Bolt.
The South African is harboring dreams of one day eclipsing the world marks set by Bolt in the shorter sprints.
Van Niekerk trained alongside Bolt before shattering Michael Johnson’s longstanding 400 meter world. He is the first and only man to run the event in 44 seconds.
“A lot of people say, ‘Wayde, you need to be more of an entertainer. I am not that type but I see qualities I share with Usain Bolt, and that brings a form of comfort even if it won’t sell T-shirts,” ,” the athlete told The Times on Tuesday.
The South African sprinter could go a long way to begin picking up the mantle if he successfully attempts the 200, 400 double at the London World Championships. Van Niekerk the only athlete to run 44 seconds for the 400 meters, 20 seconds for the 200 meters and 10 seconds for the 100 meters.
“I am a 100, 200 and 400 athlete so will dream for every record there is,” Van Niekerk said. “What sort of athlete would I be if I didn’t?”
