American quarter-miler Quincy Hall has acknowledged the lasting legacy of Wayde van Niekerk in the men’s 400 meters, following Hall’s own Olympic title victory.
Speaking during the press conference in the completed 2025 Rabat Diamond League , Hall reflected on the South African sprint legend’s impact on the sport and his personal journey into the event.
“In 2016, Wayde set a new trend that everyone wants to emulate,” Hall said, referencing van Niekerk’s iconic Olympic win from lane eight in Rio. A race where he smashed the world record with a time of 43.03 seconds.
However, Hall was quick to clarify that for him, running in the outside lanes isn’t about copying the champion, but about strategy. “It’s about having people in front of me. That pushes me. I remember looking up to Kirani when I first started running track.”
Who is Kirani james ?
Kirani James, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist and 2011 world champion, served as an early inspiration for Hall — who didn’t start out as a 400m sprinter. “I used to be an 800-meter runner. But when I switched to the 400, I realized that was truly fast for me,” he revealed.
Hall, who clinched bronze at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest with a personal best of 44.37 seconds, noted the significance of that race. It`s not only for the medal but for competing against van Niekerk himself, who finished seventh.
“That was the only time I’ve raced Wayde,” Hall admitted when asked if he’s looking forward to lining up against the world record holder again. “I’d definitely like to race him again. He’s a great competitor.”
With his eyes firmly set on the future, Hall remains focused on one ultimate goal — the world record. “It’s my goal. But I know it’ll happen when it happens.”
For now, Quincy Hall is not just chasing footsteps — he’s charting his own path toward greatness.
