South Africa’s medal contenders: the superstars

South Africa has never earned more than four medals at the IAAF World Championships, but the 16th edition starting in London on Friday could be a turning point at international level.

In the second installment of our two-part series, we take a look at the athletes who should be expected to walk away with medals.

Also read: South Africa’s medal contenders: the dark horses

And some of them are real superstars.

WAYDE VAN NIEKERK

Event: 400m
Personal best: 43.03
2017 ranking: 1st (43.62)
Medal chance: 9/10

Event: 200m
Personal best: 19.84
2017 ranking: 2nd (19.84)
Medal chance: 8/10

The 400m world record holder hopes to emulate American great Michael Johnson with a rare double.

Undoubtedly the favourite in the one-lap contest, his rocketing start and raw speed will also give him a good chance in a wide open 200m battle.

LUVO MANYONGA

Event: long jump
Personal best: 8.65m
2017 ranking: 1st (8.65m)
Medal chance: 9/10

Easily the best long jumper in the world, with four leaps of 8.61m and beyond, Manyonga has not put a foot wrong this season.

After shaking off an ankle injury, if he is anywhere near his best form, the rest of the field is likely to be competing for silver.

CASTER SEMENYA

Event: 800m
Personal best: 1:55.27
2017 ranking: 1st (1:55.27)
Medal chance: 9/10

Event: 1 500m
Personal best: 4:01.99
2017 ranking: +200 (4:16.87)
Medal chance: 3/10

Comment: Unbeaten in the 800m event for nearly two years, Semenya is expected to hold off a pack of hungry opponents in the final.

And while she is a relatively unknown prospect over the 1 500m distance, if she can stay in touch of the leaders she has the speed to challenge for the podium.

RUSWAHL SAMAAI

Event: long jump
Personal best: 8.49m
2017 ranking: 2nd (8.49m)
Medal chance: 7/10

Playing second fiddle to Manyonga hasn’t been all bad for Samaai.

He’s had a cracking season himself. Between them, South Africa’s top jumpers have produced 11 of the 12 best leaps in the world this year.

Samaai has the potential, but he’ll need to turn it on when it matters most.

AKANI SIMBINE

Event: 100m
Personal best: 9.89
2017 ranking: 3rd (9.92)
Medal chance: 6/10

Event: 200m
Personal best: 19.95
2017 ranking: 5th (19.95)
Medal chance: 3/10

If he has a good start, Simbine is tough to beat.

The most consistent 100m sprinter in the world this year, he has run under 10 seconds on eight occasions in the last four months.

The 200m is more of a gamble, but he has a chance there too.

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