Wayde van Niekerk Biography – Who is Wayde van Niekerk? Wayde van Niekerk is a world-renowned South African sprinter specializing in the 200m and 400m races. Born on July 15, 1992, he made history at the 2016 Olympic Games by winning the gold medal in the 400m, breaking the world record with a time of 43.03 seconds. This record surpassed Michael Johnson’s previous mark set in 1999.
Van Niekerk has also won gold at the 2015 and 2017 World Championships, making him one of the most decorated South African athletes. His versatility and speed have set him apart, and he remains active in competitive athletics.
Wayde van Niekerk Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wayde van Niekerk |
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1992 |
| Age (2025) | 32 years |
| Place of Birth | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | 1.83m (6 feet) |
| Weight | 70kg (154 lbs) |
| Father | Wayne van Niekerk |
| Mother | Odessa Swarts (née Krause) |
| Sister | Kayla Swarts |
| Education | University of the Free State (Marketing) |
| Sport | Track and Field (Sprinting) |
| Events | 100m, 200m, 300m, 400m |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 1 (2016 Rio – 400m) |
| World Championships Gold Medals | 2 (2015, 2017 – 400m) |
| World Record (400m) | 43.03 seconds (2016) |
| Net Worth | $4.3 million |
| Still Competing? | Yes |
Early Life and Education
Wayde van Niekerk was born in Cape Town, South Africa, to Wayne van Niekerk and Odessa Swarts (a former sprinter). He was born prematurely and required a blood transfusion shortly after birth.
During his early years, he attended Bellville Primary School before moving to Bloemfontein in 2005 with his mother. There, he continued his education at Grey College before pursuing a degree in Marketing at the University of the Free State.
Athletic Career and Achievements
Rise to Fame
Van Niekerk’s professional career took off when he won the silver medal in the 400m at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. He gained international recognition when he won gold at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing.
Historic Olympic Victory (2016)
The highlight of his career came at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the 400m with a record-breaking time of 43.03 seconds. This made him the fastest 400m runner in history.
World Records and Unique Achievements
Wayde van Niekerk is the only sprinter in history to have run:
- 100m under 10 seconds
- 200m under 20 seconds
- 300m under 31 seconds
- 400m under 44 seconds
In 2017, he broke Michael Johnson’s 300m world-best time with a 30.81-second finish, further cementing his status as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.
Injury and Comeback
In 2017, Van Niekerk suffered a serious knee injury while playing rugby, which sidelined him for nearly two years. Despite setbacks, he made a strong return to competitive athletics and continues to compete at an elite level.
Wayde van Niekerk Sister – Personal Life
Wayde van Niekerk is a family-oriented individual. His sister, Kayla Swarts, is also involved in sports, and his mother, Odessa Swarts, was a former sprinter. His father is Wayne van Niekerk.
Wayde van Niekerk Height and Weight
- Height: 1.83m (6 feet)
- Weight: 70kg (154 lbs)
Wayde van Niekerk Net Worth and Endorsements
As of 2025, Wayde van Niekerk’s estimated net worth is $4.3 million. His income comes from:
- Prize money from competitions
- Sponsorship deals
- Endorsements from major brands
Is Wayde van Niekerk Still Competing?
Yes, Wayde van Niekerk is still active in professional athletics. Despite facing injuries, he remains a top contender in sprinting events and continues to represent South Africa on the global stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Wayde van Niekerk’s world record?
He holds the 400m world record with a time of 43.03 seconds, set at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
2. How tall is Wayde van Niekerk?
He is 1.83m (6 feet) tall.
3. Who is Wayde van Niekerk’s father?
His father is Wayne van Niekerk.
4. Does Wayde van Niekerk have siblings?
Yes, he has a sister named Kayla Swarts.
5. What is Wayde van Niekerk’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $4.3 million.
6. Is Wayde van Niekerk still running?
Yes, he is still competing at a professional level.
Conclusion
Wayde van Niekerk is one of the greatest sprinters of all time, known for his world-record-breaking 400m race and incredible achievements in sprinting. Despite setbacks due to injuries, he remains an active competitor and continues to inspire athletes worldwide. His dedication, speed, and resilience have solidified his place in sports history
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