South Africa’s renowned athlete, Wayde van Niekerk, is set to showcase his prowess at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Tuesday, 22 August.

The event will see him competing in the semifinals of the men’s 400m race, scheduled to take place at 21:00 SA time.

The thrilling event can be caught on SuperSport channel 208.

Lane 8 for Van Niekerk in Semifinals

Van Niekerk has been allocated Lane 8 in the first of the three semifinal races.

Only the top two finishers from each semifinal, along with the runners posting the next two fastest times, will secure spots in the final race.

The final showdown is scheduled for Thursday, 24 August, at 21:35 SA time, providing a stage for the athletes to demonstrate their remarkable skills.

Van Niekerk’s Crucial Role for Team SA

The competition holds added significance for South Africa, as the disqualification of Akani Simbine from the men’s 100m semi-finals has left Van Niekerk as one of the few remaining medal prospects for Team SA.

His performance will be closely watched, as he aims to seize the opportunity and bring honor to the nation.

World Record Holder and Olympic Champion

Wayde van Niekerk’s credentials are impressive; he currently holds the world record in the 400m event with a remarkable time of 43.03. This record was achieved during his gold medal-winning performance at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Even seven years later, his time remains the fastest ever recorded for a 1-lap race.