Reigning 100m World Champion Justin Gatlin has sung the praises of South African sprint sensation Wayde van Niekerk ahead of Thursday night's Liquid Telecom Athletix Grand Prix event in Pretoria.
Van Niekerk shot to fame after winning the gold medal in the 400m at the 2016 Olympics, breaking Michael Johnson's long-standing record in the process.
He followed up his performance in Brazil with gold in the same event at the 2017 World Championships, where he also added a silver in the 200m to his collection.
During Wednesday's press conference ahead of his 150m race against Anaso Jobodwana in Pretoria, Gatlin rattled off the compliments.
"I can't describe Wayde‚ man. It's poetry in motion watching him run‚ I can tell you that," Gatlin is quoted in the Sowetan.
"Him coming down that straight‚ I just see it in my mind ... he seems like he's just gliding like a gazelle bringing it home‚ it's just amazing to watch. I'm definitely a fan of his‚ for sure."
Van Niekerk has been out of action since October last year, when he tore his meniscus and his anterior cruciate ligament while playing touch rugby at a charity event.