Meet the 74-year-old coach behind South Africa’s golden boy
The world was stunned when 24-year-old Wayde van Niekerk smashed Michael Johnson’s iconic world record in the 400 metres from lane eight. If that’s not impressive enough, wait ‘till you meet his coach.
Van Niekerk credits his 74-year-old coach, Anna Botha, with pushing him into gold medal-worthy form. “She's really kept me very disciplined on the goal and where I need to be,” he told Fox Sports after his record-breaking win. “I'm really grateful I can go on the track and say my coach has pushed me to reach every level and believe anything is possible.”
Botha, whom van Niekerk calls “an amazing woman”, began her career in Namibia, training daughter Herma before moving to South Africa in the ‘80s. Now, the great-grandmother of four has earned her highest accomplishment yet – coaching an Olympic gold medallist.
Proudly cheering her star runner from the stands, Botha says van Niekerk’s success is down to determination and respect between the pair. “We can laugh, but when we have to work hard, we work hard.”
What an inspirational woman! Tell us in the comments below, what’s been your favourite moment from the Rio Olympics so far?
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