When South African athlete Wayde van Niekerk ran 43.48 seconds to win the gold medal at the World Championships in Beijing, China, in 2015, it sent shock waves throughout the world of athletics.

Not only had he beaten the defending champion LeShawn Merritt of the USA with the fifth fastest time ever over the distance, but he had done so under the guidance of a 73-year-old grandmother named Ansa Botha.Both Van Niekerk and Botha visited the island last year where the World Champion trained alongside Usain Bolt before he jetted off to the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro where he again won gold, this time in an unbelievable 43.03 seconds to register a new world record.The pair is in the island once again, this time to be a part of the Jamaican farewell to the iconic Bolt when Van Niekerk participates in the second staging of the Racers Grand Prix Meet. Botha says it feels like home, here in Jamaica.“When we were driving from the airport to the hotel it really felt like home because it’s so similar in comparison with South Africa and because we are here for the second time. It’s such a privilege to be here and see friends like coach (Glen) Mills and Usain (Bolt) and all the athletes here we were getting to know last year, so it is really very nice,” she explained.The white-haired coach is completely happy with the treatment they have received so far and this will no doubt help in her charge putting on another fine show inside the National Stadium on Saturday.“The service at the hotel is very good and we are relaxed and we are happy and that’s the main thing,” she added.She could not hide her delight in being part of the historic occasion where Bolt will say goodbye to local fans.“It is a privilege to be part of this whole last race of Usain and to be part of that, and to say goodbye in his hometown is special to us. I just want to wish him all the best and happiness and health because he made such a phenomenal contribution to athletics, not only for Jamaica, but for the world.”Botha was also quick to point out that Bolt’s impact is not only local but global, suggesting that he has inspired young athletes and non-athletes the world over.“He is the hero and the icon of so many, many young athletes, but also school children who are looking up to him. He is the perfect example of hard work; to do what you love and to excel in that.”A number of Olympic champions from Rio will be participating on Saturday, including British middle distance champion Mo Farah and USA long jump and triple jump star, Christian Taylor.