Who holds the men’s world record for the 400 meters?
Wayde van Niekerk
Wayde van Niekerk, a South African runner, set a staggering world record in the 400 meters with a time of 43.03 seconds at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. By breaking the previous record held by Michael Johnson for nearly 17 years, van Niekerk accomplished his feat from the outside lane, considered disadvantageous for this distance. His unique training under the guidance of his 74-year-old coach, Ans Botha, and his incredible work ethic led him to this historic performance. Van Niekerk showed that with determination and innovation in training, barriers can be broken, thereby inspiring future athletes to strive for excellence. This record not only cemented his place in athletics history but also reminded the sporting world that limits are meant to be surpassed.
