Government congratulates Van Niekerk

Cape Town - Government has congratulated Wayde van Niekerk for setting a new world record in the men’s 400m at the Rio Olympics.

Van Niekerk won the gold medal in an astonishing 43.03 running out of lane 8.

GCIS Acting Director-General, Donald Liphoko, said, “Government congratulates Wayde on his outstanding achievement. We celebrate his astounding feat. His victory is one that broke the long-standing world record of Michael Johnson from the United States of America. He has made South Africa very proud and we wish him well for his future endeavours.

"Government is also proud of all South African participants for carrying the country’s flag high at the Rio Olympics. The country looks forward to watching South African participants bringing home more medals."