Another silver for SA, Van Niekerk eyes 400m Gold
South African long-jumper Luvo Manyonga grabbed the nation's fifth silver medal of the Olympics.
Manyonga was in excellent form in the finals of the long jump and looked certain to claim gold last night. With an impressive 8.37m jump, the South African was convinced he had sealed the nation's first gold medal.
But America's Jeff Henderson landed an 8.38m jump to snatch first place away from Manyonga - who was quite jovial about the finish.
"It was here, it was in my hands then that guy took it," Manyonga joked.
Nevertheless he was enthralled to have claimed the silver medal and dedicated the achievement to his mother and son.
SA sprinters eye Gold
400m specialist Wayde van Niekerk was in fine form and made no mistake booking his spot in the finals of his discipline. He ran a 44.45 race to secure a spot in the final.
"I feel comfortable. I got to open up way more than yesterday so I’m feeling very positive. The nerves are all washed out so I just need to recover and work towards the final,” Van Niekerk said.
“Everyone is a concern that is in the final now, there’s not specific names but the likes of Kirani James and LeShawn Merritt – their accomplishments and achievements speak for themselves so I’m just going to go out there, have fun and challenge these guys. I’m just grateful to be in the race with them.”
Meanwhile Akani Simbine will face the world’s quickest sprinters in the 100m semi-finals early on Monday morning.
He had no problem in qualifying, winning the final heat
“It was a good opener for me. I know if I can just get my start right and get out the blocks sharper and quicker it will come together but I’m pretty happy coming out here and winning my heat – that was my goal,” Simbine said.
Sadly Carina Horn missed out in a spot in the women’s 100m final.
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