Wayde van Niekerk vs LaShawn Merritt
Wayde van Niekerk vs LaShawn Merritt: head-to-head — careers, honours, key numbers and why the rivalry matters.
Why compare Wayde van Niekerk and LaShawn Merritt?
LaShawn Merritt is another prominent figure in the 400 m, often competing against Van Niekerk in major events. Their rivalry has produced thrilling races, with both athletes pushing each other to new heights.
Wayde van Niekerk
Key numbers
- World Records1 (400 m)
- Olympic Medals1 Gold
- World Championships Medals2 Gold, 1 Silver
- African Championships Medals1 Gold
- Commonwealth Games Medals1 Silver
Top honours
- Olympic Gold Medal400 m at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics
- World Championships Gold Medal400 m at the 2015 Beijing World Championships
- World Championships Gold Medal400 m at the 2017 London World Championships
- World Championships Silver Medal200 m at the 2017 London World Championships
- African Championships Gold Medal400 m at the 2014 Marrakesh Championships
VS
LaShawn Merritt
Key numbers
- Olympic Gold Medals2 (2008, 2012)
- World Championships Gold Medals3 (2005, 2007, 2009)
- Personal Best (400 m)43.65 seconds
- Commonwealth Games Gold Medals1 (2010)
Top honours
- Olympic Gold Medal400 m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
- World Championships Gold Medal400 m at the 2005 Helsinki Championships
- World Championships Gold Medal400 m at the 2007 Osaka Championships