VAN NIEKERK RETAINS TITLE AMID MAKWALA CONTROVERSY

BY AYODELE ODUMADE AT THE LONDON STADIUM

South African world record holder and Olympic Champion, Wayde Van Niekerk retained his 400 title with a time of 43.98seconds with a controlled performance. Without trying to take anything away from Van Niekerk, the only person who realistically could have challenged him was Isaac Makwala who unfortunately had to pull out due to food poison. Makwala’s absence was shrouded in controversy and mystery.  He was reported to have had a stomach bug, which prevented him from running in the 200metres heat. However he said he was fit to run in the final of the 400m but he was denied entry into the stadium. What made decision bad was that the IAAF did not communicate with the head of Botswana Athletics. Some have seen this as possible sabotage towards Makwala.

That is not to say that Makwala would have won, however Van Niekerk would have had to race faster than he had to here. The World Champions said: “It is amazing to win the world title. It is a blessing. I hope the fans enjoyed that. I’m used to the lactic (acid in legs) but I need a few minutes to recover from that effort and I’ll be fine. “I’ve got a good team who will help me recover well for the 200m and I’m looking forward to that.”

Steven Gardiner of Bahamas came second in 44.41s.  Abdelelah Haroun of Qatar took the bronze medal.  He said:”The first thing I wanted to do was reach the final but I’ve had to fight for a medal. I knew it was a big chance for me so, I am very happy to have taken the opportunity. On being first Asian medallist in the 400m:

“It is a very special moment for my country and an honour to take the bronze medal with me.”