Zakithi Nene confident of podium finish at World Championships in Tokyo

Nene, who reclaimed his national crown in Potchefstroom earlier this year, has carried strong form into the global showpiece and is considered one of the athletes to watch. 

He impressed in Europe with two second-place finishes in Rome and a third in London on the Diamond League circuit. 

Although he missed the Brussels and Zurich finals due to a hamstring setback, he is now fully fit and says he is determined to follow in the footsteps of Wayde van Niekerk by bringing home a 400m medal.

"So much pressure but I'm in a very good position, I just picked up a niggle in Budapest so I'm trying to navigate through that but I wouldn't be here if I wasn't confident that I can step on the track and be competitive. So, yeah," Nene said.

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With a blistering personal best of 43.73 seconds, Nene stamped his authority earlier this year by winning the Kip Keino Classic in Kenya. 

That time not only made him the second fastest South African ever in the event but also the quickest man in the world this season. 

The 27-year-old, who runs under KwaZulu-Natal Athletics, says his breakthrough year has been shaped by a new mindset and approach, which he hopes will propel him beyond three previous semifinal exits to a spot in the final.

"Yeah, like you mention it's more like a breakthrough season, I've just been enjoying my running and finding myself as well, again on the circuit. It's just good momentum that I've built throughout the season, a good confidence booster as well,” he added.

“I think it looks like a whole shifting mindset to be honest, I think I've been at the same finals for three, four championships now. I think Paris really hit hard given the fact that I was 26, I was expecting better from myself and that wasn't really the case. So, I think there's just been a different approach. I'm stronger, running faster and I think that's showing now on the track as well."