Van Niekerk v Bolt looks unlikely
Despite indications that South Africa's 400-metre world and Olympic champion Wayde van Niekerk is seeking a 200-metre showdown with Usain Bolt at the World Championships in London, his manager Peet van Zyl has serious doubts that it will ever happen.
Initially scheduling issues in London were cited as the major obstacle to that happening, with the 400-metre final starting just hours after the 200-metre heats on August 8.
But Van Zyl said that to the best of his knowledge, Bolt, who is in the twilight of his career, had no intention of running anything beyond the 100 metres in London.
"That's definitely not happening. Mr Bolt will be concentrating on the 100 metres and defending his title in London, so I seriously doubt that you will see him running a 200 or a 400 this year. In fact, it seems he's intent on announcing his retirement after London," said Van Zyl.
Van Niekerk did indicate late last year that he was dead keen to run both the 200 and the 400, but according to Van Zyl the Bloemfontein athlete's major focus still remains on defending his 400m title.
"Unfortunately the schedule as it currently stands in London, won't allow for a 200-400 double, so even that is unlikely" added Van Zyl.
Van Zyl did, however, confirm that the South African superstar had planned his season around running both distances.
But Van Zyl said that to the best of his knowledge, Bolt, who is in the twilight of his career, had no intention of running anything beyond the 100 metres in London.
"That's definitely not happening. Mr Bolt will be concentrating on the 100 metres and defending his title in London, so I seriously doubt that you will see him running a 200 or a 400 this year. In fact, it seems he's intent on announcing his retirement after London," said Van Zyl.
Van Niekerk did indicate late last year that he was dead keen to run both the 200 and the 400, but according to Van Zyl the Bloemfontein athlete's major focus still remains on defending his 400m title.
"Unfortunately the schedule as it currently stands in London, won't allow for a 200-400 double, so even that is unlikely" added Van Zyl.
Van Zyl did, however, confirm that the South African superstar had planned his season around running both distances.
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