There were some of us who thought Michael Johnson’s 400m world record would never be broken.
The American great ran the distance in 43.18 seconds all the way back in 1999, and only three men had got within half a second since.
But one of those three men has set a new bar – and in an Olympic final no less.
South African athlete Wayde van Niekerk had just turned seven when Johnson set that first record, and had a personal best of 43.48 – set at last year’s Beijing World Championships.
But he shattered that time in Rio and even took a full tenth of a second off Johnson’s time, coming home in 43.03 seconds – from the outside lane to boot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEPNu6Yv2Yw
https://twitter.com/ANN7tv/status/765062414819786752
Praise came rolling in for the 24-year-old after the incredible time, with fellow 400m runner Martyn Rooney among those to point out just how great an achievement it was.
43.03… Wow… He said he wanted to go 42 and nobody believed him… Wow! Congrats @WaydeDreamer #Olympics pic.twitter.com/LjfGnQqxKy
— Martyn Rooney (@MartynRooney) August 15, 2016
Following his victory, Van Niekerk thanked Johnson for the example he set for this generation of 400m runners.
The new 400m Olympic champion @WaydeDreamer has a message for @MJGold after breaking his world record… https://t.co/gdgl775ptL
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 15, 2016
And Johnson himself was more than humble after witnessing a piece of history.
Congratulations @WaydeDreamer to you and your coach! Well done and deserved. Olympic Gold and World record. I know the feeling! #Rio2016
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) August 15, 2016
Thanks for all the kind words. I'll always have the memory of the accomplishment of breaking it. Like the 200 I think it's in good hands
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) August 15, 2016
Van Niekerk was the first athlete to ever win 400m Olympic Gold from lane 8, and he was running from the outside lane because he didn’t even win his semi-final.
Grenada’s Kirani James took silver after winning gold in London four years ago, while the bronze medal went to LaShawn Merritt of the United States. Team GB’s only representative, Matthew Hudson-Smith, finished eighth in a time of 44.61 seconds.
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