Olympic 400m champion tears ACL during celebrity rugby match

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaCnfhGBxQh/

The reigning world and Olympic champion over 400m is out of the 2018 Commonwealth Games due to injury.

Wayde Van Niekerk, the world record holder in the 400m, “picked up medial and lateral tears of the meniscus, as well as a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), while participating in a recent celebrity touch rugby match in Cape Town,” according to the South African’s management team. The injuries are expected to keep Van Niekerk out of commission for at least six months, which rules him out for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia next April.

Thanks to all for the kind wishes!Sadly I announce now that I'll be off the track for a while.Will be back stronger! https://t.co/grvzwspVEn

— Wayde van Niekerk (@WaydeDreamer) October 31, 2017

Herstelpad van maande wag op @WaydeDreamer. https://t.co/6CwurpyTFr
(Foto's: Gallo)#waydevanniekerk pic.twitter.com/9gDRcWO5nw

— Netwerk24 Sport (@Netwerk24Sport) November 1, 2017

The Commonwealth Games is the biggest outdoor event for Canadian track and field athletes in 2018 as it’s an off year for both the Olympic Games and IAAF World Championships.

Is that you I see there @jeremyharris55 ? Hopefully Wayde recovers quickly from his surgery!! pic.twitter.com/1nCiyQNTr4

— Sonette (@sonettefourie) November 1, 2017

The 400m star, who also races the 200m, is set to undergo surgery in Vail, Colo following the Oct. 7 injury. According to his management team, he is expected to continue rehabilitation in the Qatar and South Africa. “I’m ready for the hard work,” he captioned an Instagram post on Tuesday.

Don't get too excited. @WaydeDreamer Van Niekerk is not turning to rugby! It's a celeb @TagRugbySA match at #Newlands

(Pic: Roger Sedres) pic.twitter.com/Fgy3Ce5ptZ

— IG: blitzbokke7s (@BlitzBokke) October 10, 2017

My boy @DrDarrenGreen attending to an injured @WaydeDreamer at Newlands. Hope the injury is not too serious. ? @rogersedres / Image SA pic.twitter.com/RDbQ2t2Su5

— Gasant Abarder (@GasantAbarder) October 31, 2017

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba68135hn7L/

Van Niekerk, whose world record in the 400m is 43.03, was expected to race the 100m and 200m in the Gold Coast as he moves down in distance from the one-lap event.