In early 2002, at the young age of 19, Jacques Freitag set an African record by clearing 2.37 meters. His success continued into 2003, when he triumphed at the World Championships in Paris with a jump of 2.35 meters, making him the first African male to secure a world title in a field event. This victory was soon followed by Hestrie Cloete, his fellow countrywoman, who won the women’s high jump, creating a significant achievement for South Africa in the sport.
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Freitag participated in his first Olympic Games in 2004 but unfortunately did not advance to the finals. However, he came back stronger in 2005, setting a new African record with a jump of 2.38 meters, a record that remains unbroken.
Despite facing numerous challenges both on and off the track in the later stages of his career, Freitag continued to compete until 2013.
