Twitter reacts to Wayde's world record

Rio de Janeiro - Wayde van Niekerk put in what is already being described as one of the performances of the 2016 Rio Olympics by winning gold in the 400m on Sunday night (Monday morning, SA time). 

Van Niekerk shattered Michael Johnson's world record of 43.18 seconds which had stood since 1999, running 43.03 as he set the Olympic Stadium alight. 

It is South Africa's first gold medal in Rio, and it didn't take long for Twitter to send their congratulations Van Niekerk's way. 

The race started at 03:00 SA time, but that didn't stop the die-hard fans from waking up to support their hero.

Here are some of the tweets we picked up:

Look at your son @OdessaSwarts!!! Congratulations mom for all the sacrifices and you and his dad, Steven, have made ?????? #Rio2016

— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) August 15, 2016

When somebody makes you believe anything can be done . It's freaking Wayde. ??????

— Anaso Jobodwana (@_ambitious_jay) August 15, 2016

@WaydeDreamer world record in lane 8 #rio2016 you are a legend????. pic.twitter.com/V6TZhk5qoD

— sameehg doutie (@SDoutie) August 15, 2016

What a run! What a man! Congrats @WaydeDreamer #proudlySA #GOLDMEDAL #RSA

— Gary Player (@garyplayer) August 15, 2016

We witnessed HISTORY today!!! What a moment!!! Take a bow @WaydeDreamer #Rio2016 https://t.co/Phmk2oAgjr

— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa)

World record!!!! What an UNBELIEVABLE RUN...@WaydeDreamer !! #Rio2016 #worldrecord #GOLDMEDAL #????

— Branden Grace (@BrandenGrace) August 15, 2016

#WadevanNiekerk incredible super star - he was just unbelievable in smashing the Magic Johnson world record - marvelous our golden boy

— Zwelinzima Vavi (@Zwelinzima1) August 15, 2016

Still in tears unbelievable !!!! https://t.co/gnRTTOWrBr

— Rob Louw (@roblouw6) August 15, 2016

How good does this look? @WaydeDreamer providing one of the moments of #rio2016 pic.twitter.com/FH0JQY4ALi

— Clinton van der Berg (@ClintonV) August 15, 2016

@WaydeDreamer with a #Gold and a new WR in the 400m??
Well done bro, so happy for you??????

— Trevor Immelman (@TrevorImmelman) August 15, 2016

Legends are made at the Olympics! @WaydeDreamer just showed us how! WORLD RECORD!???? @teamsa16 #Rio2016 #SAontherise

— Pedrie Wannenburg (@Pedrie6) August 15, 2016

Finally a gold for the most deserving athlete from the most incredible country. Go @teamsa16 ????????????

— abbie taylor (@AbbieTaylorGang) August 15, 2016