Van Niekerk praises format for new Athletics World Cup

Wayde van Niekerk celebrates after winning gold in the 400m at the 2017 World Championships in London. Photo: REUTERS/John Sibley

Wayde van Niekerk celebrates after winning gold in the 400m at the 2017 World Championships in London. Photo: REUTERS/John Sibley

Published Feb 5, 2018

Share

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa will feature among the world’s top-eight nations in the inaugural Athletics World Cup London 2018 set for July 14 and 15. 

British Athletics confirmed the competition on Monday which will also include the United States, Great Britain & Northern Ireland, Poland, China, Germany, France, and Jamaica.

The competition format will feature all field and track events up to and including the 1500m with each nation competing for the $2 million prize pot over two evening sessions of athletics.

The countries will be limited to one man and one woman per event in an all-straight final format.

World 400m record-holder Wayde van Niekerk, who currently in rehabilitation for a knee injury, said he believed the head-to-head concept promises to be an exciting format for fans. 

“The South African team will be there in force and we hope to see fans from all over the world join us in London for what will be an amazing competition,” Van Niekerk said in a statement from British Athletics. 

South Africa returned from last year’s London World Championships with its best-ever collection of podium finishes at the biennial showpiece to finish third on the medals tables with three gold, silver, and two bronze.

IOL Sport

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Related Topics: