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Burger breaks national record in Bloemfontein─── MORGAN PIEK 18:58 Thu, 03 Apr 2025
A national schools record was shattered in Bloemfontein on the opening day of the 2025 SA High Schools Track & Field Championship.
On Thursday, a record-breaking feat took place during the semi-finals of the under-17 girls’ 100m, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling final.
Bloemfontein’s very own Rumé Burger – daughter of former Toyota Cheetahs and Blitzbok winger, Philip Burger – etched her name into the history books by breaking the South African schools record.
Burger clocked an impressive 11.50 seconds, beating her closest competitor, Megan Nieman of Gauteng, by 0.42 seconds. Nieman finished in 11.92 seconds, while Chrystabel Davis, also from Gauteng, posted the third-fastest time of 11.98 seconds.
Remarkably, this new record was set in rainy conditions in Bloemfontein. The previous record of 11.58 seconds was held by another Free State sprinter, Constance Mkenku, who set the mark in Greece back in 2006.
Just last weekend in Cape Town, the Oranje Meisieskool learner claimed gold in the 200m with a blistering time of 23.69 seconds – being the only sprinter to dip under 24 seconds. She also secured silver in the 100m final, clocking 11.75 seconds after running 11.69 in the semi-finals.
Ahead of the championship in Bloemfontein, Burger shared her excitement with OFM Sport about competing on home soil. “I’m really looking forward to the weekend ahead with SA Schools Athletics – especially since it’s being hosted in Bloemfontein for the very first time!
“It’s going to be a massive celebration, particularly with everything around us feeling so familiar. The fact that we can sleep in our own beds and stick to our usual routine is definitely a big advantage.
“We’re hoping for good weather so that this event can be a great success. The Bloemfontein Stadium is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in South Africa, and I can’t wait to showcase my talents here in my hometown while representing the Free State.
“I hope Bloemfonteiners turn up in their numbers to support and cheer each other on. I know I’ll be doing the same! I’m really looking forward to it and can’t wait to see everyone there.”
The final of the girls’ U17 100m is set to take place at 12:55 on Friday afternoon, with more rain expected.
