Most South African sports fans will never forget Wayde van Niekerk’s heroics at the 2016 Rio Olympics, his 400-metre world record making him a household name around the world.

His time of 43,03 smashed Michael Johnson’s 17-year-old record, and unless he breaks it himself it’s a record that may stand for some time to come.

One person who was definitely impressed was Usain Bolt – for a fun trip down memory lane this was his reaction:

We feel you, Usain.

Wayde hasn’t exactly taken his foot off the pedal since Brazil, and now he can add another world best to his name.

It might only be the 300m, a distance that doesn’t get the glitz and glamour, but it’s still a darn good run. Business Day below:

Wayde van Niekerk broke a second world best belonging to legendary Michael Johnson on Wednesday night‚ winning the 300m at the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava…

Usain Bolt’s 30.97 meet record was a distant memory by the time Van Niekerk cantered over the line looking as if he still had plenty of gas in the tank as he led six of the seven competitors behind him to personal bests.

Enjoy watching him burn the rest of the field:

Mr. Bolt was once again a big fan of van Niekerk’s exploits, and he gushed about how the world has someone ready to take over his mantle.

Sport24 below:

Record-setting Wayde van Niekerk could be the athlete to take over track and field from Usain Bolt, according to the Jamaican sprint star himself…

Asked whether the South African, also the current world 400m champion but an athlete who has clocked 19.84sec in the 200m and 9.94sec in the 100m, is his likely successor, Bolt was definitive.

“Yeah for sure,” he said. “I think he really wants to be a sprinter because he’s set a personal best in the 100m this year.

“He’s shown he’s ready for the challenge. He’s really down to earth, he’s really humble, he’s a great person.

“He listens and wants to be good and if he continues like this he’ll take over track and field.”

That’s a pretty big endorsement from the man who can lay claim to being the biggest name athletics has ever seen.

Keep doing your thing, Wayde, we’re happy for you to step in when Bolt hangs up his boots.

[sources:bdlive&sport24]