While Van Niekerk is the 400m world record holder, during his first official meet since recovering from recurring injuries, he opted to run in the two shorter distances.

In the morning he won the 200m final in a very respectable time of 20.31 sec. Leon James took the silver in 21:14 sec, while Unathi Oliphant claimed the bronze in 21:36 sec.

The Athletics South Africa qualifying time for this distance is set at 21:35 sec.

In the afternoon, Van Niekerk, completed his double in a blistering 10.10 sec in the 100m for men, and in the process once again beat James. This time, James, had to share the silver as he and his fellow Kovsies runner, Gideon Trotter, crossed the finish line in 10:49 sec.

Another Kovsies runner, Charles Klaasen, finished in forth in 10.91 sec. Van Niekerk also comfortably cleared the ASA qualifying time of 10:60 sec.

Interestingly, Van Niekerk, was entered as Lee-Roy van Niekerk in both races.

Earlier in the week, Van Niekerk, finished first in a 100m race on grass in a hand-timed 10.20 sec at an unofficial University of the Free State hostel meet.

Van Niekerk injured his knee during October 2017 while playing a celebrity touch rugby match Cape Town.

The injury prevented him from winning a third consecutive world title as he was unable to compete in the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar. He also missed out on the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport

Watch Van Niekerk win the 100m for men during his official comeback.

@WaydeDreamer wins the Motheo/Gariep Athletics meet 100m in 10.10 sec. Video by @janshark #Athletics #comeback2020 pic.twitter.com/BPzOIh7eoi

— Morgan Piek (@MorganPiek) February 22, 2020