Wayde van Niekerk reveals how Usain Bolt helped inspire him to break Michael Johnson’s 17-year world record
Now the South African has his eyes on the Jamaican's 100m and 200m times
TRAINING alongside Jamaican legend Usain Bolt inspired Wayde van Niekerk to break Michael Johnson’s 400 metres world record.
The South African smashed the 17 year record time of 43.18 set by the American to write his name into the history books by recording 43.03.
That performance led to many believing the 24-year-old was the natural successor to Bolt as the poster boy of athletics.
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However, Van Niekerk told that he is not the man to replace the legendary sprinter as the showman of the sport.
He said: "A lot of people say, 'Wayde, you need to be more of an entertainer'.
"I am not that type but I see qualities I share with Usain Bolt, and that brings a form of comfort even if it won’t sell T-shirts."
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Although he does not revel in the limelight the 30-year-old Bolt does, he did admit the star had a huge impact on him as he strived for world glory.
Looking back to the three weeks he spent training with Bolt, Van Nikerk said: "I got to realise we are all human beings and that what's possible for him (Bolt) is possible for me.
"His environment is no different to ours. That was a massive confidence-booster.
"A window opened. Why not achieve what they can? When the clock stopped at 43.03 I had no choice but to think of going under 43. To dream of 43.02 would make no sense."
Van Niekerk is now hoping to emulate Johnson’s feat at the 1995 World Championships at this year’s event in London by achieving the 200m and 400m double.
However, he has his fingers-crossed the International Association of Athletics Federation agree to his request this week to amend the schedule.
Van Niekerk added: "I am a 100, 200 and 400 athlete so will dream for every record there is.
"What sort of athlete would I be if I didn't?"