2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil Aug 05-21,2016 - South Africa's Wayde van Niekerk Wins Gold Medal in the Men's 400 Metres breaking Michael Johnson's 17-year-old world record

South Africa's Wayde van Niekerk broke Michael Johnson's 17-year-old 400m world record to sensationally win Olympic gold at Rio 2016.

The 24-year-old finished in 43.03 seconds, 0.15 quicker than the time Johnson clocked in Seville in 1999.

Grenada's Kirani James, the London 2012 champion, finished 0.73 behind to take the silver medal, with American LaShawn Merritt in bronze.

Men's 400m world record progression since 1968

Time (seconds)	Athlete	Year	City
43.86	Lee Evans (USA)	1968	Mexico City
43.29	Butch Reynolds (USA)	1988	Zurich
43.18	Michael Johnson (USA)	1999	Seville
43.03	Wayde van Niekerk	2016	Rio de Janeiro