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Teen sprint sensation Burger humbled and blessed─── MORGAN PIEK 08:28 Mon, 28 Apr 2025
The teenage sprint sensation from Bloemfontein, Rumé Burger, says she feels blessed and humbled after winning her first-ever gold medal at the 2025 ASA Senior National Track and Field Championships in Potchefstroom.
The 17-year-old Free State speedster stunned South Africa on Saturday by winning the women’s 200m final at McArthur Stadium, pulling off an outstanding performance to outclass not one, but both favourites for the title.
Burger clocked an impressive 23.49 seconds to clinch the 200m gold, beating two top sprinters to the national crown–and impressively, it wasn’t even close to her personal best. She has achieved a rare double this season, having also won gold in the 200m at the Junior National Track and Field Championships in Cape Town earlier in April.
In winning on Saturday, Burger beat both the South African 100m champion, Joviale Mbisha, and the highly promising Hannah Hope Vermaak.Speaking to OFM Sport, the young star – who is also the eldest daughter of former Toyota Cheetahs winger and Blitzboks star Philip Burger–said she could never have imagined enjoying such a spectacular season, capped off by a senior national title. .
Rumé Burger en route to National High Schools 200m title in Bloemfontein - Morgan Piek.
“This competition was definitely beyond my biggest dreams. If you had told me a year ago that I’d win the seniors in the 200 metres, I would’ve laughed– I didn’t even believe I could get a bronze in the 100 metres at seniors!” said Burger “Winning my first SA Schools and ASA Junior Championships in Cape Town and taking home my first gold and national title honestly feels like an absolute blessing. ”
“It was my first time competing at seniors and the pressure was real – not necessarily from others, but when you’re the SA champ in the 200m you want to prove you deserve to be there.Even though I am only 17, I am proud to say I competed with the seniors and thrived.”
“I’m incredibly thankful to God and to everyone who supported me. Honestly, there aren’t enough words to describe how grateful I am. I feel amazing about what I’ve achieved this season. Even though it’s not completely over, I know the hardest part is behind me– and I just feel so, so blessed.”
Rume Burger is a force to be reckoned with in the Women's 200m?
— SuperSport ?? (@SuperSportTV) April 26, 2025
She claims her first senior gold medal ??
?? Stream #ASASeniorTFChamps on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/cJQQIsnqrv
On day one of the national championships, Burger also claimed a bronze medal in the 100m final, finishing behind Joviale Mbisha and her fellow Bloemfontein sprinter, Gabriella Marais.
