Geldenhuys, nee Van der Walt, is aiming to reach the final and, ultimately, break the South African 400m hurdles record of 53.74 seconds, which was set by Myrtle Bothma back in 1985.

Set to run the heats in front of a 60 000 sold-out crowd in Paris on Sunday (12:35pm), the 2022 African champion is wary of getting ahead of herself, but eclipsing the national record remains her biggest goal.

"I'm definitely going to just take it round by round, but the goal is to make the finals, and to go below the 54 seconds and break the SA record is one of my biggest goals," said Geldenhuys.

According to the 24-year-old, the level of competition in the women’s hurdles is at its peak at the moment, and she understands she must be at her best to have any chance of reaching the final.

"I think the Women's 400m Hurdles [event] is on fire this year. Last year as well, and the year before, but I think this is the most competitive event now, and the women are running crazy times," she added.

"And I think the times are only getting faster and faster, but it inspires all of us to know that it is possible to run those fast times.

"There are two women that are separated from the group, but the rest is not a done deal [with regards to] who is going to get podium because all of us are working so hard and are hungry for that fast times, and we're just pushing each other."

READ: Nobody can beat Noah Lyles, US sprint sensation says

SOUTHAMPTON

Mohammed Salisu leaves Southampton to join Monaco

Onuachu fulfils childhood dream with Premier League move

Editors Pick