Van Niekerk to contest in 300m at Ostrava Golden Spike

Olympic champion and world record holder over 400m Wayde Van Nikerk of South Africa will race the 300m at 2017 Ostrava Golden Spike meet on 28 June.

The 24-year-old Van Niekerk posted history's 3rd fastest time in the 300m of 31.03 seconds at last year's Racers Grand Prix meeting in Kingston. His time was only 0.18 seconds slower than Michael Johnson's world record. Usain Bolt holds the second fastest 300m time in history of 30.97 seconds set in Ostrava Golden Spike meet back in 2010.

"I've always enjoyed racing in Ostrava and I look forward to competing here again," said van Niekerk.

"The 300m event is a great way to gauge my fitness in the early stages of a long season, as it will give me a good indication of my potential in the 200m and 400m sprints this year. I hope for a good run and, as always, a great time as well." he added.

Last time Van Niekerk competed in Ostrava was in 2013 when he took second in the 400m. 

Top 10 Men's 300m Runners in History | Source

1.   30.85A   Michael Johnson     USA     Pretoria                 24.03.2000

2.   30.97    Usain Bolt         JAM     Ostrava                 27.05.2010

3.   31.03    Wayde van Niekerk   RSA     Kingston                 11.06.2016

4.   31.23    LaShawn Merritt     USA     Kingston               11.06.2016

5.   31.48    Danny Everett      USA     Jerez de la Frontera     03.09.1990

6.   31.48    Roberto Hernández   CUB     Jerez de la Frontera   03.09.1990

7.   31.56    Doug Walker         GBR     Gateshead               19.07.1998

8.   31.61    Anthuan Maybank     USA     Durham                 13.07.1996

9.   31.64    Tony McQuay         USA     Kingston                 11.06.2016

10.  31.67    John Regis         GBR     Gateshead               17.07.1992