Van Niekerk clinched the 400m gold earlier this week, and successfully qualified for the 200m final with one of fastest loser times in the semi-finals. In the process his qualification saw one of the pre-event favourites, Yohan Blake of Jamaica, being knocked out.

He will go head-to-head against Isaac Makwala after the Botswanan sprinter was allowed to qualify for the semi-finals and then also claimed a spot in the final.

Makwala missed out on competing in the 400m final due to the stomach bug which has plagued numerous athletes at the championships.

Van Niekerk says that he knows that he can win the 200m gold, but anything can happen.

“It’s easier said than done.

“It is a competition and anything is possible.

“In almost every event at this competition we’ve see that it is very unpredictable.

“I know that I’ve got the ability and my body still feels very good.”

Van Niekerk did battle somewhat in the semi-final on Wednesday evening, but he is still being heavily tipped to at least medal at the World Championships.

The 200m final will take place at 22:52 on Thursday evening.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport