Whenever Odessa Swarts sees her son on a public platform she is unable to hold back the tears. Sometimes they are tears of pride, at other times tears of relief.
Relief to see a once-bullied Wayde van Niekerk grow up to be a world champion, Olympic gold medallist, and world record-holder.
Van Niekerk admits he finds it difficult to keep the eyes dry and he often has to avoid looking at his mother when he does public addresses.
When Van Niekerk arrived in South Africa this week, both managed to keep the tears away as South Africa’s new hero was welcomed by throngs of people.
Stepfather Steve Swarts recalled how he would fear for skin-and-bones Van Niekerk, who would fearlessly tackle the biggest player on a rugby pitch.
From a few interactions it is evident Van Niekerk has had a support system over the years that has helped shaped him into the athlete and person he is today.
Van Niekerk has come a long way since the days he was terrorised by schoolyard bullies to become one of the greatest athletes in the history of track and field.
Van Niekerk recalls how his legs became jelly for a fraction of time before what he believes was divine intervention that carried him over the final 50 metres of the race in Rio.
Perhaps it was also the knowledge that his family was supporting him in the stands that allowed him to shift up a gear in the home straight.
It was certainly a factor during Van Niekerk’s victory lap as he remained standing, unlike his world-title run in Beijing last year when he collapsed onto the track shortly after the race.
Instead he shuffled slowly towards his family in the crowd where they embraced and celebrated the culmination of years of dedication and sacrifice.
While South Africans celebrated Van Niekerk’s achievement, many also expressed the hope that he would remain humble in the face of his new-found fame and fortune.
It is difficult to imagine that the added attention and his rising stock will not be life-altering but Van Niekerk is adamant he'll remain grounded.
Young sports stars often battle with this and their once humble nature gives way to arrogance and a sense of entitlement.
Surrounded by yes-men they become blind to their own flaws, which ultimately is to the detriment of their careers.
Fortunately Van Niekerk has a strong family bond, and people from his coach to his manager, to keep him in check should he veer off-track.
“Many people have seen it happen before, where the guys get carried away, but I have amazing role models in my life,” Van Niekerk said.
“This personality works for me, this is me being me, and I might have to make slight changes where I need to be a bit more aggressive and less lenient.
“A lot of times my team and my family may not agree but at the end of the day we all want what is best for me.
“I get them saying things to me all the time and I listen to them.”
That support system will be important in years to come as Van Niekerk looks to defend his titles, which is often more difficult than earning them in the first place.
His head seems to be screwed on the right way and will hopefully continue to seek the council of those who have his best interests at heart.
Saturday Star