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LONDON. — South African sprint star Wayde van Niekerk is halfway to his target of the 400 metres and 200m world double after easing to victory in the former at the World Athletics Championships in London on Tuesday night.
The 25-year-old’s task of landing both eased considerably with main rival Isaac Makwala of Botswana barred from running by the sport’s governing body because he had been diagnosed with the highly contagious norovirus.
It didn’t prevent the 30-year-old from turning up at the warm-up track only to be turned away. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said he should be in quarantine and not near the track.
Makwala and his Botswana team were then left in the dark by the IAAF over his ban from the 400m final at the World Athletics Championships on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old was withdrawn from his 200m heat last night on medical grounds but had hoped to race in the final of the 400m tonight.
But after vomiting again, Makwala was told by athletics authorities that he had again been pulled out of the race to protect the health of other athletes.
The Botswanan had been caught up in a spate of illness that had affected 30 athletes and support staff at the Tower Hotel with two cases confirmed as norovirus.
However, Makwala told the BBC earlier yesterday that he was “ready to run” and believed he was fit enough to do so.
The runner then arrived at the London Stadium on Tuesday evening and tried to gain access through the athletes’ entrance but was barred by officials from doing so.
And now Falcon Sedimo, chief executive of the Botswana National Sports Commission, has slammed the IAAF for not being open about their decision.
“For us, the important thing is that there should have been formal communication from the IAAF,” Semido said.
“There has been none. We only had benefit from the media relating to Makwala’s not being allowed to compete which left us heart-broken.
“He’s been waiting for years to see himself here.
“He definitely was a gold medal contender, not only in the 200 but we believe he was going to be in the 400m as well.”
Makwala was taken back to the team hotel after being denied entry to the stadium although Semido said he was ready to race if the Motswana delegation were able to convince the IAAF to reverse their decision ahead of the 9.50pm 400m final.
However, an e-mail sent to the Motswana team on Tuesday evening claimed the competition organisers had conducted a medical examination on Monday — but without his own medical staff present.
Makwala’s medical representative at the championships Simon O’Brien meanwhile claimed the athlete was “fit and well but being kept away” by the authorities.
“It was definitely a heartbreaking moment,” Van Niekerk said. “I have a lot of sympathy for Isaac.
“It is quite disappointing. I would have liked him to have his opportunity.
“But this is sports, these things happen.”
Van Niekerk added that the double was not a given.
“It’s easier said than done,” he said. “It’s competition, it’s very unpredictable.
“My body still feels very good. It took me a while to recover tonight.
“But from endurance I go straight to speed tomorrow… It’s a day-by-day, step-by-step process for us athletes.”
Botswana suffered further disappointment as 800m race favourite Nijel Amos — second on the same track in the 2012 Olympic final — faded to finish fifth with Frenchman Pierre-Ambroise Bosse taking a deserved gold for a bold and brave performance which he revealed afterwards reflected his love of gambling.
“I am a gambler, I love going to the casino,” said Bosse. — AFP.
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