This is what it takes to become a world record holder in the 400 metres,  and Wayde van Niekerk has all of these in abundance.

The 23-year-old speedster has definitely shown that his work ethic is second to none, excelling at athletics since primary school, and leaving broken records in his wake for several years. His recent Olympic victory, and demolition of Michael Johnson's 17-year-old World Record can be seen as the culmination of years of blood, sweat and, as he has become known for his post-race retching, a fair bit of vomit.

And while we should be careful to avoid the commonly held assertion that athletes of colour are simply faster and stronger, due to an accident of genetics, one would certainly be doing Wayde's mother a disservice by ignoring her contribution to her son's achievements.

Whether it be genetics or simply her own love of the track passed down to Wayde, we can't ignore Odessa Swarts's influence in grooming the world champion.

During the years of sports isolation, in the 1980s and 1990s, Odessa Krause (her maiden name) was a force to be reckoned with, obtaining Western Province colours and setting record after record. Sadly, the segregation of South African sporting codes, and our isolation from international sport, meant her talent went unrecognised and unexploited.

According to www.athleticsclipboard.co.za Odessa held more than six records, spread across provincial, national and high school level, by 1990. These included the WP senior schools record for girls under 16 in the 100m (12,41 secs) and 200m (25,84 secs) respectively, as well as the SAAAB junior ladies 100m record  (21,1 secs),  the 200m record (25 secs),  WP senior schools record for girls under 17 in the 100m (12,32 secs) and 200m (25,67 secs) and the  SA schools girls’ under 17 200m record (25,3).

By the end of apartheid, Odessa's athletics career also unfortunately came to an end. She married Wayde's father Wayne, who was also an athlete, specialising in high jump, before moving to Bloemfontein in 2005 , and marrying Wayde's stepfather, Steven Swarts.

Wayde has in the past referred to Swartz as one of his biggest motivators, and the two often train together.

However, mother Odessa still maintains a presence next to the track, by attending many of  Wayde's training sessions, as well as supporting the family's other speedsters, brother Craig , and sister Kayla, who are both also avid athletes who have obtained provincial colours in their respective events.