OSLO, Norway (April 4) – World record holder Wayde van Niekerk will compete in the 400m at Oslo’s Bislett Games on June 15, as part of the Wanda Diamond League, meeting organizers revealed this week.
Van Niekerk, Rio Olympic Games 400m champion in 2016, set a world record of 43.03 seconds en route to winning that title, and he’s already noted that his aim is to return to his best form again this season. Despite sustaining a career-threatening injury in past years, the South African sprinter has gradually returned to action in recent years.
His 44.17-second run last weekend to win at the South African Championships, was his fastest 400m performance since winning the world title six years ago in 2015. Read more: Wayde van Niekerk opens season with fast 44.17secs at national championships
The 2023 Bislett Games in Oslo will mark Van Niekerk’s first-ever appearance at the event. The 30-year-old attendance has been might by excitement, following the news that Olympic 400m hurdles champion Karsten Warholm, who holds the world record in his specialist event over the barriers, will also compete in front of a home crowd. Warholm will race in the 400m hurdles in Oslo.
Other Norwegian stars will also be in action. Jakob Ingebrigtsen, a world and Olympic champion, will participate in the 1500m, while Sondre Guttormsen, a European indoor champion, will compete in the pole vault alongside his brother Simen and Pal Haugen Lillefosse. Karoline Bjerkeli Grovdal, the European cross-country champion, will line up for the 3000m.
Wanda Diamond League 2023 full schedule and calendar
Click here for more Oslo Diamond League meeting information.
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