London: South African star Wayde van Niekerk is halfway to his target of the 400 metres and 200m world double after easing to victory in the former in London. 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 on Tuesday.
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 said he should be in quarantine and not near the track.
“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.
“And today I just gambled, I put everything on the red, even my last Euro. So hopefully, this is also for luck in love.”
Conselsus Kipruto maintained Kenya’s fine record in the men’s 3000 metres steeplechase winning in cheeky style from Morocco’s Soufiane El bakkali with long-time leader Evan Jager of the United States third.
Schippers in form, Bowie a no show
Defending world champion Dafne Schippers eased into the 200 metres semi-finals with her morale further boosted by the withdrawal of newly-crowned 100m champion Tori Bowie.
Bowie, who took Olympic bronze in the 200m last year, won the 100m gold with a sensational dip at the line, which saw the American tumble to the ground. The US Athletics Federation confirmed: “Tori Bowie has withdrawn from the 200 metres as she continues to recover from her fall at the conclusion of the women’s 100m final.”
Chopra in action
Fast-rising javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra will begin his campaign on Thursday. The 19-year-old world junior record holder has an outside chance of clinching a medal and will feature in the qualification round.
Davinder Singh Kang is the second Indian in fray in javelin throw. Kang tested positive for marijuana in June but was named in the 25-member Indian team as the banned substance was in the specified list of the World Anti-Doping Code and does not attract automatic suspension.
