The world 400m champion has become the first man in history to run faster than 10 seconds for 100 metres.

JOHANNESBURG - World 400 metre champion Wayde van Niekerk has become the first man in history to run faster than 10 seconds for 100 metres, 20 seconds for 200 metres and 44 seconds for 400 metres.

The South African sprinter yesterday smashed his personal best in the shorter sprint at the Free State Championships in Bloemfontein.

Van Niekerk, aged 23, has apparently not competed in a 100 metre race since his junior days, so his previous personal best of 10.45, also set in Bloemfontein in 2011, was due for some serious revision.

But he surprised the crowd - and evidently himself - with his sterling performance.

Truly appreciative of everyone's support https://t.co/SNQ7rARp8n — Wayde van Niekerk (@WaydeDreamer) March 12, 2016











Wow!!! Truly grateful and humbled by the opportunity and talents the Lord has blessed me with Finally reaching my childhood dream of sub 10. 400m - 43.48 200m - 19.94 100m - 9.98 Truly so blessed thank you to everyone supporting me with in my career. And all that's contributed to where I am today!!!

A video posted by Wayde van Niekerk (@waydedreamer) on Mar 12, 2016 at 6:06am PST





Van Niekerk is the second South African sprinter this week to break the 10 second barrier for 100 metres.

Akani Simbine set a national record of 9.96 in Pretoria on Tuesday.