To get injured is heartbreaking for any athlete. And the road to recovery is often laid with nails. The same can be said for this South African track and field star who returned to action after a long and tough recovery. From once being at the top of his career to being forced to train in the USA for years, this was a tough journey. But he is finally back in his hometown. And 2025 signals the beginning of his road to redemption. Still don’t know who we are talking about?

Well, Wayde van Niekerk obviously. Wayde has solidified his place in history with an Olympic gold and a world record that still stands to this day — his stunning 43.03-second 400m run at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Despite all this, Niekerk had to struggle with some serious injuries. The South African icon is returning home, ready to make his comeback.

Wayde van Niekerk’s troubles started in 2017 when a devastating knee injury nearly ended his career. What was supposed to be a routine charity rugby match turned into a nightmare. The Olympic champion suffered severe damage, including medial and lateral tears to the meniscus and a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). He suffered from a knee injury in 2017, tearing both the medial and lateral meniscus while completely rupturing his ACL. He was once in the top spot, but now he had to sit back and watch his competitors break records.\

The injury kept him from reaching the heights he once had hold of. Now that he is returning back he has parted ways with US coach Lance Baumann. “He is officially back in South Africa. At the moment, his stepfather Steven (Swarts),” Van Niekerk’s agent, Peet van Zyl said. “All the injuries and niggles are a thing of the past.” Niekerk is now working under the guidance of his stepfather, Steven Swarts. These words also show his determination and how, with a strong support system, he is ready to overcome past setbacks and focus on the future.

Van Niekerk chasing Olympic glory with his sister by his side

Choosing to step away from the US training camp to train with his stepfather, Steven Swarts shows that he wants to return to his roots. Wayde van Niekerk is ready to train with a renewed sense of purpose and forget his past. And what better place to start your comeback than from your backyard? And thus Van Niekerk will be returning to Cape Town.

Niekerk’s quest to be at the top of the world of athletics isn’t just his dream. But Wayde is not alone in his struggles. Throughout this journey, his sister has been a constant presence at his side. From the rehabilitation to his eventual training to get back to his feet, this bond between the two is what’s driving Wayde’s return to the track.

Kayla Swarts, a rising star in the South African national hockey team, hopes to share the Olympic stage with her brother. Wayde’s performances at the World Athletics Championships in 2022 and 2023 showed signs of a comeback, but his journey has been far from smooth. In the Paris Olympics, Van Niekerk withdrew from the 400m and finished third in the 200m. Wayde reflected on what he went through during the early stages of rehabilitation.

“First two months post-surgery I regretted every moment wishing I could turn back time or just redo the decisions that brought me to where I am now,” he revealed in an interview with Olympics.com. This shows his determination to bounce back is not just to earn titles. It is also the love for the sport that motivates him. Even though the recovery time was painful, his passion and commitment to the game remain unchanged.

Wayde’s journey has been full of challenges. But with his sister supporting him and his strong resilience, fans have only one question. And that is if he will be able to rise to the top of the Olympic stage once more.