Wayde Van Niekerk Defends 400m World Championships Title

Olympic champion Wayde Van Niekerk of South Africa successfully defended his world 400m title on Tuesday night in London.

Van Niekerk, who set a new 400m world record  of 43.02sec at Rio Olympics last August, stunned his opponents by running a devastating final curve to cross the line in 43.98 seconds. Van Niekerk's lead in home straight was so big that he even eased up 20m from the line.

Bahamas Steven Gardiner took the silver in 44.41sec, while  Sudan-born Qatari Abdalelah Haroun claimed bronze in 44.48.

Van Niekerk will return to track tomorrow when he competes in 200m semi finals.

Men's 400m Final Results 

1 Wayde VAN NIEKERK RSA 43.98

2 Steven GARDINER BAH 44.41

3 Abdalelah HAROUN QAT 44.48 SB 

4 Baboloki THEBE BOT 44.66

5 Nathon ALLEN JAM  44.88

6 Demish GAYE JAM  45.04

7 Fred KERLEY USA  45.23

 Isaac MAKWALA BOT DNS