Wayde van Niekerk claims 200m national title before heading to US
Reigning Olympic 400m champion clocked 20.38s to take half-lap title in Tshwane, but admits he still does not know exactly when he will move to his new training base in Florida.
Athletics
In his last race before heading to train in the United States, Wayde van Niekerk won the 200m at the South African Championships in Tshwane on Saturday (17 April).
The reigning 400m Olympic champion and world record holder at the one-lap distance won comfortably, easing down as he stopped the clock in 20.39s which was rounded down to 20.38s.
Benjamin Richardson was second in 20.77s ahead of Nicholas Ferns (20.83s) with Tsebo Matsoso (20.86s) in fourth.
Van Niekerk is due to move to Florida to train under Lance Brauman alongside Noah Lyles and Shaunae Miller-Uibo having announced his split from long-time coach Tannie Ans Botha in February.
But he is still waiting for his passport and visa to enable him to travel.
Speaking to Athletics South Africa afterwards, the 28-year-old said he was pleased with his performance in what has been an uncertain time.
He said, "Today was good. It's quite cold tonight so the first 100 I was just feeling where I am physically. As I came out of the bend, I felt comfortable, I felt strong enough to finish the race.
"Today I wasn't really trying to push for anything or any time or anything. Just to execute the race and get the win.
"It's been a bit of a rough last few months. I've not been sure exactly when I'll be travelling over and what's happening next. I haven't had any flights or anything confirmed so I'm hoping this next week I get something concrete as to when I'm travelling to the US.
"My biggest challenge at this moment is just to get that old mentality again, remembering that I'm a competitor and being able to make sure that when I get to the track I can start executing my races the way I should." - Wayde van Niekerk
Van Niekerk was only running the 200m in Tshwane with the 400m title going to Zakithi Nene in a time of 45.54s.
With former world champion and Olympic silver medallist Luvo Manyonga provisionally suspended, Rushwaal Samaai took the men's long jump with 8.16m.
Deline Mpiti won the women's 400m in 52.78s as Kyle Blignaut took the men's shot put with 20.82m.
Le Roux Hamman claimed the men's 400m hurdles title with a time of 49.70s with fellow Olympian Wenda Nel taking the women's version in 55.60s.
With Olympic champion Caster Semenya having to change distance, the women's 800m title was won by Prudence Sekgodiso in 2:08.35.
Tshepo Tshite took the men's race in 1:45.79.