Van Niekerk set the benchmark in Rio de Janeiro last year when he won the 400m gold at the Olympic Games.

The IAAF World Championships get underway next month, and it is expected that he will break the sub 43 second barrier in London.

However, this record could actually fall on Friday night during the Diamond League in Monaco.

Two weeks ago Van Niekerk recorded a world season's best of 43.62 in Lausanne, and following his win he said he has to improve his personal best.

During the press conference in Monaco on Thursday, Van Niekerk, said that sub 43 seconds is a definite goal.

“I can definitely think of a 42, but after the comma remains the question.

“Last year at the age of 24 I ran 43.03 which is so close to a sub, and it’s definitely something we’ve got to aim for.

“There’s no use for me to still be doing track and field if I’m not going to aim for bettering what I’m doing.

“I don’t want to better it by one split, I want a valid attempt at improving it.

“I’d like to believe that I’d eventually get there, it’s bound to happen.

“I just need to have the right race, have the right conditions and the perfect moment and I’m sure it will happen.”

Van Niekerk will be in action at 20:25 on Friday evening.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport