South African Athlete Breaks 17-Year-Old World Record - Rio Olympics

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South African Athlete Breaks 17-Year-Old World Record - Rio Olympics

South Africa's Wayde van Niekerk broke a 17-year-old world record at the Rio Olympics, to win the gold medal in the 400m. The 24 year old track and field sprinter clocked 43.03 sec to beat Johnson’s 17-year world record of 43.18 sec. “I believed I could get the world record. I’ve dreamed of this medal forever,” said Van Niekerk. “I am blessed.”

Wayde has 74-year-old veteran coach, Anna Botha, since 2012 Olympics who is a former sprinter and long jumper.

"I'm really grateful I can go on the track and say my coach has pushed me to reach every level and believe anything is possible... She's an amazing woman. She's played a huge role in what I am today." Said Wayde to CNN