Wayde van Niekerk’s alma mater was abuzz yesterday celebrating his amazing win at the Rio Olympics.
Bellville Primary School Principal Danie Bester said he is over the moon by the fantastic achievement of his former student. He said Wayde was an inspiration to him and all the children at the school.
Wayde attended Bellville Primary from Grade 3 to 7.
Yesterday morning, a massive screen was set up in the school hall for learners to watch how Wayde won the 400m race in record time.
In the run-up to the Olympics, the school also set up a Wayde Wall of Fame, detailing the life of their most famous student.
“I am speechless. This boy has always been amazing and so humble about all that he has. He made South African colours for the first time in 2003. We are all so proud of him. Can you imagine, he walked these school grounds and trained on that field outside,”the excited palie says.
“Our own world-record holder. He has immense God-given talent and I hope he goes from strength to strength.”
“Our school has many students from the previously disadvantaged communities. Our slogan is Where Children Become Winners.
“He has lived up to that motto and given motivation to us.”
WP: Wayde at Bellville Primary
Meanwhile, his Twitter is still abuzz and showing love for trending #WaydeDreamer. Here's what some of his celebrity fans had to say:
Comedian Trevor Noah: “Wherever he is right now, Fikile Mbalula is break dancing. #vanNiekerk #WorldRecord #Olympics. Halala Van Niekerk!!!!”
Marc Lottering: “Blue Monday just turned GOLD for South Africa!”Congratulations Wayde van Niekerk!”
Helen Zille: “The cameraman didn’t expect the world-record beating performance from Wayde. Focusing on LaShawn. And then. Da Bomb.”
Olympic gold medalist Ryk Neethling: “New WR for @WaydeDreamer what a champion!!!!!”
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula: “A new World Record set by a South African. Today, it feels good to be a South African.”
Rapper AKA: “First off let’s be proud that a SOUTH AFRICAN smashed the world record and claimed gold representing our country.”
Mayor Patricia de Lille: “To our world record holder and Olympic champion @WaydeDreamer, thank you for making history and making SA Proud. #WaydevanNiekerk”
Proteas captain AB de Villiers: “What a special feeling waking up to the news of @WaydeDreamer winning the 400m and breaking the world record. Great inspiration to so many!”
Former Springbok Breyton Paulse: “BOOM, our Goldenboy brought it home, absolutely sensational, worldclass and WR, South Africans go mad.”