The South African World Record Holder for the 400 Metre Dash has contracted COVID-19. Wayde van Niekerk’s Manager announced that he’d tested positive for the virus before arriving in Italy for an event. This damper Wayde’s athletic adventures in 2020, which had already been limited with the earlier announcement that the Tokyo Summer Olympics had been postponed by twelve months.
This action of postponement forced the Olympic Qualifying Placements to be reverted. Countless athletes have resumed regular competitions, hoping to regain their placement in the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Wayde van Niekerk became affected by this change, while also having to face an onslaught of new legislation that apply towards Olympic Qualifying. It’d deterred his chanced amongst countless other athletes from obtaining goals they’d initially acquired before the Olympic Committee decided to postpone. The final nail in Wayde van Niekerk’s coffin was the contraction of COVID-19. It’ll be impossible for him to compete in two upcoming events, limiting his chances at Olympic contention.
The 13th Triveneto Meeting would’ve marked the return of Wayde van Niekerk’s return to international athletics. Still, the World Record Holder for the 400 Metre Dash, this South African Runner hasn’t been since in competition since 2017. An unexpected & horrific injury prompted three years of physical therapy. Thousands throughout South Africa were excited to see their World Record Holder return, only to feel disappointment & sadness upon learning of his COVID-19 positive test.
Shock & Acceptance
Wayde van Niekerk clarified that he’s asymptomatic & is expected to recover within the standard fourteen-day period. The South African Runner remains in a positive mindset, hoping for the best. Wayde’s Manager has expressed shock that his athlete contracted the virus. Peet Van Zyl didn’t believe that perfected athletes could contract the virus, clearly not aware of all scientific evidence regarding COVID-19.
It’s unknown when Wayde van Niekerk will return after contracting the virus. International athletics has been disrupted in ways that’ve never before been seen. Matches that are held yearly are outright cancelled. Regardless, South Africa will continue to stand behind their World Record Holder.
The Asymptomatic condition of Wayde Van Niekerk could prompt looming medical problems, possibly forcing the athlete to retire from international competitions. This won’t be known for months after Niekerk is backing running the 400-Metre dash in dozens of races through 2020-21. We will provide our readers with updates on the condition of Wayde Van Niekerk when new revelations are made.
