World record holder Wayde van Niekerk took another big step forward on the comeback trail on Thursday night, coasting to victory in the men's 400m race at the World Athletics Diamond League meeting in Oslo, Norway.
Van Niekerk earned his first Diamond League win since 2017, taking the one-lap sprint in 44.38 seconds.
Zambian athlete Muzala Samukonga took second place in 44.49 and Vernon Norwood of the United States was third in 44.51.
"I don't think people realise just how hard this (400m) event is both physically and mentally. You can see how long it takes me to recover, so that shows I'm still not where I'm meant to be, but I'm getting there," said Van Niekerk, who secured his first Diamond League victory since injuring his knee six years ago.
"It was a good race and it is great to be back on the circuit but it is very hard for me right now.
"I'm just taking it race by race and trying not to think too far ahead, but of course [the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August] is a big goal."
His fellow South African, Zakithi Nene, settled for seventh place in the 400m race in Oslo in 45.34 seconds.
Luxolo Adams, a former World Championships finalist, took eighth position in the men's 200m race in 20.79.
The sixth leg of the Diamond League series will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland on 30 June 2023.
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