The 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk believes that South Africa can win gold in the 4 x 400m relay at the Olympic Games in Paris later in the year.

On Monday the 4x400m relay team consisting of Gardeo Isaacs, Lythe Pillay, Zakithi Nene and Antonie Nortjé took silver at the World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas in 3:00.75.

Van Niekerk pulled out of the final because of a slight niggle.

Botswana took the gold in a time of 2:59.11.

The 2016 Olympic champion, Van Niekerk, said that there is no reason why South Africa can’t win the gold in Paris.

“I think we must just stay true to ourselves, said Van Niekerk who won his first major medal in seven years.

“We have got the talent and the ability, so we just need to do what we do best and the medals will come.

“I don't think it's our aim or our mentality - our mentality is to be present for each other and have each other’s backs. If we execute rest correctly, I think the accolades will come.”

The 2024 Paris Olympics will start on 26 July.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport