Wayde’s comeback put on ice once again

Wayde van Niekerk’s ill-judged celebrity touch rugby game in 2017 continues to haunt him.

South Africa’s 400m world record holder’s return is again on hold following a “minor setback” in his recovery from a knee injury.

His representatives on Monday stated that the 26-year-old now has a bruised bone, which sidelines him for up to six weeks.

“Wayde was pushing hard in training to test himself before his upcoming races, as he wants to show he can be competitive when he makes his comeback,” said agent Peet van Zyl.

“He had MRI scans which showed the ligaments and meniscus in his knee were fine, but unfortunately he picked up a bruise.”

Van Niekerk had been included in Athletics SA’s preliminary squad for this year’s World Championships in Doha and targeted London’s Anniversary Games later this month for his comeback.

That won’t happen now.

Van Niekerk, however, insists he still wants to defend his one-lap crown in Qatar at the end of September.

“It’s very disappointing as I probably pushed myself too hard but I’m now working towards the goal patiently and I will review my competition schedule with my team, and together with my coach (Ans Botha) we will decide where and when to race,” he said.

For more sport your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.