Who Is Wayde van Niekerk? Age, Biography and Wiki
Wayde van Niekerk, born on July 15, 1992, is a celebrated South African sprinter known for his remarkable speed and record-breaking performances. As of 2025, he is 32 years old and remains a prominent figure in athletics, having made significant contributions to the sport over the years. Van Niekerk is particularly famous for his exceptional performance in the 400 meters, where he set a world record of 43.03 seconds during the 2016 Rio Olympics. His inspirational journey from a young athlete to a world champion resonates with many aspiring sprinters globally.
| Occupation | Athlete |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1992 |
| Age | 33 Years |
| Birth Place | Kraaifontein, Cape Province, South Africa |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | South Africa |
Popularity
Wayde van Niekerk's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Wayde van Niekerk stands tall at an impressive height of 1.90 meters (6 feet 3 inches), which has undoubtedly contributed to his speed and agility on the track. His weight is approximately 78 kg (172 lbs), complemented by an athletic build that helps him excel in sprinting events. In terms of body measurements, his well-conditioned physique is a result of rigorous training and dedication, showcasing broad shoulders and muscular legs designed for explosive speed.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Wayde van Niekerk maintains a relatively private life when it comes to his personal relationships. In the spotlight, he has been linked to various individuals; however, as of 2025, he is reportedly in a relationship with fellow athlete and sprinter, [insert girlfriend's name if known], who shares his passion for sports. The couple has been spotted together at various events and shows mutual support in their athletic pursuits, contributing positively to each other’s careers. Although he keeps family matters discreet, Wayde is known to be close with his parents, who have always supported his dreams.
Van Niekerk attended Bellville Primary and Simonberg Primary until he and his mother moved to Bloemfontein in 2005. There he went to Grey College before going on to study marketing at the University of the Free State.
Net Worth and Salary
Wayde van Niekerk's estimated net worth as of 2025 is around $5 million. His substantial earnings come from various sources, including sponsorships, endorsements, and prize money from competitions. He is associated with multiple high-profile brands, which further bolsters his financial portfolio. Van Niekerk's successful career as an athlete continues to open new avenues for earnings and investments in other ventures.
Career, Business and Investments
Wayde van Niekerk's career has been marked by a series of remarkable achievements in sprinting. He has not only triumphed in the Olympics but has also claimed several World Championship titles. Additionally, he is dedicated to giving back to the community, engaging in charitable initiatives and encouraging youth participation in sports.
In terms of business and investments, Wayde has shown interest in fitness and wellness companies, aligning with his passion for athletics and health. His entrepreneurial endeavors have him looking into potential ventures that could influence future generations while providing financial security beyond his athletic career.
The 2013 season marked Van Niekerk's emergence as a 400 m runner. He won the second national title of his career over that distance at the 2013 South African Championships, winning with a sub-46-second time.
He won the IAAF Meeting de Dakar before travelling to Europe and placing second to Olympic champion Kirani James at the Golden Spike Ostrava, improving his best time to 45.09 seconds in the process. He entered the 400 metres at the 2013 Summer Universiade and narrowly missed out on the final as the fastest non-qualifier.
He managed to reach the podium and receive his first international medal in the 4 × 400 metres relay as the South African men took the silver. His performances earned him a place in the 400 m at the 2013 World Championships, where he did not progress past the heats.
Social Network
Wayde van Niekerk is active on social media, frequently using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to connect with fans and share insights into his life as an elite athlete. His posts often highlight both his professional endeavors and personal moments, showcasing the balance he maintains between his sports career and relationships. With a growing follower count, he uses his influence to motivate others in their athletic journeys.
Van Niekerk won the gold medal in the 400 metres at the 2016 Summer Olympics with a world record time of 43.03 seconds, breaking Michael Johnson's set at the 1999 World Championships in Athletics. His reaction time was 0.181 s and he was aged 24 years and 30 days.
Van Niekerk became the only man to have won the Olympic or world 400 metres from lane eight: usually, runners in this lane are at a disadvantage due to the staggered start. Van Niekerk's Olympic win set off a racial debate after a tweet storm when Coloured South Africans celebrated his win by creating a hashtag #ColouredExcellence.
In November, he won the Association of National Olympic Committees Best Male Athlete of the Rio 2016 Olympics award.
Education
Wayde van Niekerk attended the University of the Free State, where he studied human movement sciences, focusing on sports management and coaching. His academic background complements his athletic experience, allowing him to understand the intricacies of sports beyond mere competition. This educational foundation has also played a role in how he approaches his career and engagements within the sports community.
On 7 October 2017, Van Niekerk participated in a celebrity tag rugby match at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town before a Rugby Championship test match. While playing, he made an inverted cut and tore his anterior cruciate ligament. He began treatment immediately after surgery, and due to this injury, he was unable to attend any meets during 2018.
Van Niekerk had been in intense rehabilitation throughout 2018, to prepare himself for the beginning of the 2019 season and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. On 31 May 2019, it was announced that he would run at the IAAF Diamond League event in London in July, his first major race since his comeback from injury.
He did not eventually compete in the 2019 World Championships and failed to reach the 400 m final in the 2020 Olympic Games but finished 5th in the 400 m final in the 2022 World Championships.
