The South African Olympian won first place in the 400 meter race, beating Michael Johnson's 17-year-old world record by nearly half a second. 
 
His gold medal comes as a big win because just 24 years ago, Van Niekerk's mother, who was also a runner, was not allowed to compete as a black woman in South Africa. For millions, his victory represents South Africa's triumph over the racial segregation of the apartheid regime.
 
But despite his heightened celebrity status, this Olympian is giving all the glory to God.
 
"I dove for the finish line," Van Niekerk told ABC. "And right after that, I went down on my knees and thanked God and my family and everyone for tonight."
 
When asked about his racing strategy, he just said he was able to win because he had God and the South African people.
 
After winning, he tweeted a picture of him kneeling on the track with an inscription saying "Jesus did it," and "God is power."
 
Van Niekerk is not the only Olympic athlete who is giving glory to God. The world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, [who won gold in the 100 meter and 200 meter races], gives his praise to God.
 
Before and after almost every race, the audience will see Bolt say a silent prayer or point to the sky.  He also thanked God on Twitter after making history at the 2012 Beijing Olympic Games. 
 
"I want to thank God for everything He has done for me 'cause without Him none of this would be possible," he tweeted.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Museum of the Bible to Feature Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit in Capitol Hill Outreach Event

'Federal Fumbles' Report: 5 Revelations; from Trans Animal Experiments to Minnesota Fraud Schemes

Schumer Pushes Legislation to Shield pride Flag with US Flag-Level Protections

Rep. Randy Fine Sets The Internet Ablaze with His Response to Muslim NYC Activist Calling for Banning Dogs, Calling Them 'Unclean'

Vatican Turns Down Trump's Invitation to Board of Peace

War With Iran 'Imminent'? Trump Could Give the 'Go' Order at Any Time

China Biowarfare No Longer 'Far-Off Threat', Biolab Found in US Neighborhood

Prayer Alert: SCOTUS Decisions to Be Issued This Week, What Could Be Released

'They Want to Serve Women': Pregnancy Centers Now Offering Full Medical Care

Meta, YouTube on Trial Over Claims They Engineered Child Addiction

Jesse Jackson Dead at 84; Trump Remembers Him as a 'Good Man,' 'Force of Nature'

US-Iran Talks Resume in Geneva as Both Sides Display Military Power; Israel Issues Gaza Ultimatum

They Burned the Church With the Pastor Inside; and the World Moved On

FTC Probes American Association of Pediatrics, WPATH over Gender Transition Procedures for Minors

Rhode Island Hockey Game Shooter Identified as 'Transgender'

New Yorkers Wake to the Islamic Call to Prayer: '...They Don't Need Planes Anymore ... New York Is Falling, One Amplified 'allahu akbar' at a Time' [Videos]

Seahawks GM Threw Surprise Jesus Figurines into the Crowd during the Super Bowl Parade

Holy Spirit Outpouring Breaks Out on Florida Campus as Students Turn to Non-Stop Worship

Dr. Alveda King: Stay the Course

Antifa Faces First Trial after Being Classified as Domestic Terrorism