Men’s 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk (RSA) will return to the London Stadium for the first time since his world title triumph in 2017 when he continues his Wanda Diamond League campaign at the London Athletics Meet on Sunday 23 July.
The South African, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, made his long-awaited return to Diamond League action with a win in Oslo earlier this month and will be hoping to take another step towards the series final and a potential first Diamond Trophy in London.
Van Niekerk claimed world gold at the London 2017 World Athletics Championships to retain the title he won in 2015. He also won 200m silver at those Championships, so he has a history of producing his best performances in London.
In 2016 the South African rewrote the history books of the one-lap event when he set an astonishing world record of 43.03 to win the Olympic gold medal, taking Michael Johnson’s long-standing record.
The two-time African champion recently won at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Oslo in a time of 44.38 to show his statement of intent as he targets a third world title this summer.
He will join Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s Matthew Hudson-Smith who has already been announced as part of the line-up for the 400m in London.
On returning to the London Stadium for the first time since 2017, van Niekerk said, “I have so many special memories of competing in London, so I am really looking forward to racing over the 400m in the London Stadium next month.
“The world title in 2017 will live long in my memory, and it was an extra special championship to win silver in the 200m, also. I enjoy racing in front of the British fans, they create a fantastic atmosphere, so I cannot wait to see everyone there on 23 July.”
The Wanda Diamond League is the premier one-day meeting series in athletics. It comprises 14 of the most prestigious events in global track and field. Athletes compete for points at the 13 series meetings in a bid to qualify for the two-day Wanda Diamond League Final in Eugene on 16th-17th September.
