It wasn’t meant to be for South African world record holder Wayde van Niekerk after he finished fifth in the men’s 400m semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympic Games on Monday, August 2.
It’s the end of the road for the current world record ? pic.twitter.com/EDwkIwrPrm
— The Real GOAT ?♡♡♡ (@mbosto_11) August 2, 2021
This was Van Niekerk’s best chance of retaining his Olympic crown after he finished third in his 400m heat on Sunday in 45.25 seconds. As reported by Team SA, it was as if the athletics gods were crying over Van Niekerk’s exit because the rain immediately poured after the race.
“I expected more from myself, but it didn’t work out how I’d like it to have worked. But is what it is and we move forward,” Van Niekerk was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s 100m sprinter, Akani Simbine were also unsuccessful in Sunday’s final race as he finished in fourth.
.@Tokyo2020 Olympics
4th place. Probably one of the worst places to finish in a race.
Thank you for all the support and belief through this journey.
It’s always an honour representing my country on this stage ??
The dream of standing on that podium will be a reality one day ? pic.twitter.com/MgWsbnnpEm— Akani Simbine (@AkaniSimbine) August 1, 2021
South Africa’s Men’s Waterpolo team also ended their Olympic competition with a 24-9 loss to Japan.
Men’s waterpolo, Group A:
South Africa end their Olympic competition with a 24-9 loss to Japan#TeamSA #Tokyo2020— Team South Africa (@TeamSA2020) August 2, 2021
Picture: Cape{town} Etc gallery