The festival of sport in Bloemfontein this week will also make a stop at the Mangaung Athletics Stadium, where the 2025 South African High Schools & LSEN National Track and Field Championships will take place.
The country’s very best track and field stars are in Bloemfontein for this prestigious event, with national honours at stake.
Apart from the massive financial boost it brings to the city by attracting numerous athletes, their coaches, and family members, it once again highlights Bloemfontein’s importance as a top sporting destination.
One of the major drawcards this week will be 17-year-old local sprinter Rumé Burger, daughter of former Toyota Cheetahs and Blitzbok winger Philip Burger. Just last week, the Oranje Meisieskool sprinter clocked an impressive 23.69 seconds to win gold in the girls’ U18 200m at the SA Junior Athletics Championships in Cape Town, making her the only sprinter to break the 24-second barrier. She also clinched silver in the girls’ 100m with a time of 11.75 seconds.
Another athlete to watch in the field events is Judy Watson from Hoërskool Fichardtpark, who will be competing in the girls’ U19 discus. The 17-year-old boasts a season-best throw of 51.65m.
The opening ceremony took place on Wednesday afternoon, and the action kicks off as early as 07:00 on Thursday morning with the boys’ U19 10,000m walk. The championships will conclude on Saturday, 5 April. – MORGAN PIEK
