KINGSTON (June 3) – Wayde van Niekerk, the world record holder in the men’s 400 meters, is eager to continue his impressive form as he competes in the 2023 Racers Grand Prix – a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event at the National Stadium in Kingston this Saturday, June 3.
Van Niekerk, a two-time world champion and the 2016 Olympic champion, has made a promising start to the season, clocking a season best of 44.17 seconds when he triumphed in Potchefstroom on April 1. The South African star will be looking to build on this strong performance as he faces stiff competition in Jamaica this weekend.
READ MORE: Wayde van Niekerk opens season with fast 44.17secs at national championships
The 30-year-old sprinter previously trained in Jamaica with Glen Mills and the Usain Bolt training group, where he prepared before shattering the 400m world record at the Rio Olympics. Sharing his thoughts on this phase of his career, Van Niekerk expressed his focus on regaining confidence and returning to his winning ways.
“I’m in a stage now where I need to build my confidence, to get back to winning ways, and that’s where my mentality is at,” Van Niekerk stated on the Racers Grand Prix website.
“I’m looking forward to the positives that lie ahead of me and hoping to use Jamaica as one of my stepping stones, moving forward towards the major competitions that await us, and also as a positive step forward.”
In Saturday’s race, Van Niekerk will face a strong field of Jamaican 400m runners, including national record holder Rusheen McDonald, Demish Gaye, and Akeem Bloomfield. Additionally, Trevor Stewart and Noah Williams from the United States will also be competing in the event.
For fans unable to attend the event at the National Stadium in Kingston, live streaming coverage of the Racers Grand Prix will be available on www.1spotmedia.com. Pay-per-view tickets can be purchased for $14.99, providing an opportunity to enjoy the thrilling races from the comfort of your own home.
Men’s 400m event Startlist:
- Noah Williams (USA) – 44.30 (PB), (45.22 SB)
- Rusheen McDonald (Jamaica) – 43.93 (PB), (44.97 SB)
- Wayde van Niekerk (South Africa) – 43.03 (PB), (44.17 SB)
- Akeem Bloomfield (Jamaica) – 43.94 (PB), (45.52 SB)
- Trevor Stewart (USA) – 44.25 (PB), (44.92 SB)
- Demish Gaye (Jamaica) – 44.46 (PB), (45.74 SB)
- Karayme Bartley (Jamaica) – 45.17 (PB), (46.39 SB)
