South Africa’s sprint king Wayde van Niekerk blitzed the track at the 2024 Paris Olympics, snagging gold in the 400m and reminding the world why he’s still the man to beat. But behind those record-breaking spikes? A family saga as gripping as his races—starring a high-jumping dad, a mom who raced against apartheid, and a legacy of resilience. Let’s meet the people who built a champion. 

Who is Wayde van Niekerk’s Father?

Wayde’s biological dad, Wayne van Niekerk, was a high jumper in his youth but never reached elite levels. The two have a complicated relationship. Wayne and Wayde’s mom, Odessa Swarts, divorced when Wayde was young, and he grew up primarily with Odessa and his stepdad, Steven Swarts, in Bloemfontein. Though Wayne wasn’t a constant presence, he’s popped up at major moments—like cheering Wayde’s Rio 2016 Olympic gold—and once joked, “I knew he’d be a runner. He was too skinny for rugby!”.

Wayne’s athletic genes didn’t just go to Wayde. The family’s packed with talent—Wayde’s cousin is Cheslin Kolbe, the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup hero.

Who is Wayde van Niekerk’s Mother?

Meet Odessa Swarts, the real MVP of this story. A sprint prodigy in the 1980s, Odessa dominated South Africa’s apartheid-era tracks, setting provincial records in the 100m and 200m—on grass tracks, no less. But thanks to apartheid’s racist sports bans, she never got to compete internationally. Instead, she joined the anti-apartheid sports movement, sacrificing her career for the fight against oppression.

Odessa didn’t just pass down her speed—she became Wayde’s first coach, drilling him on Bloemfontein tracks while juggling her job as a school athletics instructor. Her mantra? “Respect the grind.” And grind he did: Wayde’s 2016 Olympic world record (43.03 seconds) wasn’t just a win for him—it was Odessa’s delayed revenge on a system that tried to silence her.

What Happened Between Wayde van Niekerk And Odessa Swarts?

The specific reasons behind Wayde van Niekerk’s parents’ divorce are not publicly documented. However, it is known that his mother, Odessa Swarts, raised him primarily on her own after the separation. Around 2004, she moved with Wayde from Cape Town to Bloemfontein to support his athletic career.

Odessa later married Steven Swarts, who became a figure in South African athletics. Years later, Steven Swarts was convicted of sexual assault involving an athlete he coached and was subsequently suspended from his role as president of Athletics Free State in 2023. While this incident brought media attention, there is no confirmed public criticism directed at Odessa for her association with him.

Wayde has rarely spoken about his parents’ separation, choosing instead to highlight the pivotal role his mother played in his development as an athlete. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, many details remain personal, and it’s clear that Odessa’s dedication to her son’s career has been a central part of his journey.

What is Wayde van Niekerk’s Parents’ Nationality?

Both Wayne and Odessa are South African, born and raised in Cape Town’s working-class neighborhoods. Their lived experience under apartheid shaped Wayde’s identity. He’s fiercely proud of his heritage, once saying, “I race not as a ‘colored’ South African, but as a South African—period.”

Odessa’s family has roots in the Khoisan community, one of South Africa’s indigenous groups. She’s subtly infused this pride into Wayde’s career, reminding him: “Your speed isn’t just yours—it’s your ancestors.”

After his Paris 2024 triumph, Wayde’s eyes are on the 2025 World Championships and 2026 Commonwealth Games. But his ultimate goal? Smashing his own 400m world record. “43.03 won’t stand forever,” he’s teased. Rumor has it he’s also plotting a 200m/400m double assault to outshine rivals.

Off the track, he’s building a legacy. Inspired by Odessa, he’s mentoring young athletes in townships and launching a foundation to fund grassroots sports. “My mom fought for this future,” he says. “Now it’s my turn.”

So, next time you see Wayde blaze past the finish line, remember: that speed? It’s a family heirloom.