The world 400m champion has become the first athlete to clock sub-10 seconds for 100m, sub-20 for 200m and sub-44 for 400m

Clocking a 9.98 100m PB in Bloemfontein, Wayde van Niekerk has become the first athlete in history to break 10 seconds for 100m, 20 seconds for 200m and 44 seconds for 400m.

The world 400m champion ran his 43.48 South African record for the one-lap event when claiming global gold in Beijing last summer, while his 200m PB of 19.94 was also set last year.

Van Niekerk's 9.98 on Saturday (March 12) was assisted by a 1.5m/s tailwind and came after he had run 10.12 into a 1.9m/s headwind in the heats.

"Wow!!! Truly grateful and humbled by the opportunity and talents the Lord has blessed me with. Finally reaching my childhood dream of sub 10," the 23-year-old wrote alongside a video on Instagram.

He added: "Truly so blessed thank you to everyone supporting me with in my career. And all that's contributed to where I am today!!!"