11/24/2024

South African World Record (WR) holder Wayde van Niekerk and his younger sister Kayla Swarts are on track to make Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Van Niekerk, who ran the jaw-dropping 400m WR of 43.03s at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, thus becoming the first track and field athlete to achieve such a feat, is elated over the anticipation of sharing the Olympic spotlight with his sister in Paris.

While the former Olympic and World Champion will be blazing the tracks, attempting to regain his title, Swarts will compete in a different sport – Hockey.

She was a member of the Proteas women’s Hockey team that qualified for the Games at the African Hockey Road to Paris 2024 tournament in November 2023, and will be looking forward to making the team again to the prestigious global fiesta.

“2024 is a big one for me. My sister and I are actually both going to the Olympic Games this year. I am excited for that moment,” said Van Niekerk in an interview with former Springbok rugby players Juan de Jongh and Rudy Paige on their Behind the Ruck Podcast.

Wayde van Niekerk is the men’s 400m World Record holder

He also revealed that sharing the Olympic stage with his sister was a major motivating factor.

“It is a good motive for me as well to be in my best shape. I am about to share the Olympic Games with my little sister, and I am excited about that. So, it is about putting in that hard work now and seeing what comes tomorrow.”

Van Niekerk will be heading to Paris as one of the favourites to challenge for the men’s 400m title.

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