The sprinter from Bloemfontein was due to run in the 400m but withdrew at the 11th hour due to a lower back issue.

Van Niekerk indicated that it was merely as a precaution ahead of the Olympic Games in Tokyo which begins in 19 days from now.

Via a social media entry Van Niekerk indicated that he had discomfort in his lower back and didn't want to take any risks.

“Hey dreamers! I am still well.

“I had discomfort in my lower back in my warm-up before the race last night so coach and my team decided to pull me out of the race as it is not worth risking anything so close to Tokyo2020. 

Thanks to Gyulai Memorial and for everyone’s concern.”

During the same meet, Akani Simbine, broke the South African and African 100m record by setting the new benchmark over the distance at 9.84 seconds.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport