Wayde van Niekerk’s quest for a second Olympic medal ended in disappointment on Wednesday night, 07 August 2024, after the South African track star finished last in his 200m semi-final with a time of 20.72 seconds at the 2024 Olympic Games. He failed to qualify for the finals.
Wayde van Niekerk Last Hurdle
Van Niekerk lagged behind the leading pack, consisting of first and second-place holders, Erriyon Khighton, and Joseph Fahnbulleh, ultimately finishing in the 7th place together with Nigeria’s Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike. This result means he will not progress to the final, scheduled for later this week.
A Triumph Cut Short
The 32-year-old, renowned for his world record-breaking 400m victory at the 2016 Rio Olympics, had shifted his focus to the 200m in Paris after battling injuries in recent years. His appearance in the semi-final was an achievement in itself, considering his narrow qualification from the heats. However, facing a formidable lineup of competitors, including Noah Lyles, Erriyon Khighton, and Letsile Tebogo, he couldn’t replicate the exceptional performance that had once made him a champion.
A Career of Highs and Lows
The setback is particularly poignant for Van Niekerk, who had hoped to use the Paris Games as a platform for a late-career resurgence. Following his triumph in Rio, a severe knee injury in 2017 during touch rugby for charity, hampered his progress, and he has faced challenges in reclaiming his peak performance.
Related article: Wayde van Niekerk Returns to Olympic Track: When to Watch 200m Heats
