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24 November 2021 | Story Jóhann Thormählen | Photo UFS Photo Archive
Pellies Park, the heart of the University of the Free State Athletics Club, is one of the many places on the Bloemfontein Campus where memories are made, and lifelong friendships are formed.
There is nothing like a proper reunion with old friends. Seeing former familiar faces, catching up, and sharing stories about the days gone by.

We know that many University of the Free State (UFS) alumni not only made friends while studying, but also formed a bond on the field, pitch, track, or court.

Whether you scored goals on the soccer field, kicked conversions at Shimla Park, served aces on the tennis court, made centuries at the cricket oval, or won a netball title in the Callie Human Centre.

Perhaps you ran thousands of laps at Pellies Park or made the UFS proud on the hockey astro. You are part of a special sports family.

We invite you to become part of the UFS alumni sporting community and celebrate those fond memories or even reconnect with those your shared the field with.

The UFS Sporting Legends project provides a platform to share special stories and memories, whether it is via pictures or telling a tale.

It celebrates the UFS camaraderie and unique culture across all sporting codes – whether you were a star or formed lifelong friendships.

This unique community includes many international athletes and even Olympic competitors. The likes of Wayde van Niekerk, Karla Pretorius, Ox Nche, Ryk Neethling, and many more form part of this UFS legacy.

Or maybe you took part on campus in the era of Joggie Jansen, Sarina (Mostert) Cronjé, Rassie Erasmus, or Zola Budd.
Get in contact with us by sending an email to alumni@ufs.ac.za with your details, information, stories, and photos and share in the UFS Sporting Legends spirit.

News Archive

Wayde claims gold and silver at IAAF World Championships in London
2017-08-11

 Description: Getty Wayde Tags: Wayde van Niekerk, IAAF World Championships, Michael Johnson, Prof Francis Petersen, 200 m/400 m double 

The Olympic champion, Wayde van Niekerk, continued
his superb form over the past few months when he
won a gold medal in the 400 m and a silver in the 200 m
at the IAAF World Championships in London.
Photo: Getty Images



This is just the beginning. These were the words of an emotional Wayde van Niekerk after he completed one of the best weeks in his young career at the IAAF World Championships.

The 25-year-old Kovsie star claimed a gold medal in the 400 m in London, England, on 8 August 2017, and added a silver in the 200 m on 10 August 2017.
 
Furthermore, he was only 0.02 seconds away (in the 200 m) from achieving a 200 m/400 m double – something which was last done in 1995 at a World Championship by Michael Johnson. Van Niekerk won the 400 m in London in 43.98 s, and two days later his 20.106 s was enough for a silver in the 200 m. Ramil Guliyev from Turkey was first in 20.09 s.

Role model for Kovsie community
Once again Van Niekerk’s achievements warmed the hearts back home at the University of the Free State (UFS). “This is an extremely proud moment not only for the country, but in particular for the University of the Free State. Wayde is a role model for the entire Kovsie community, and we have been following his achievements in the international arena with great excitement. We are elated by his performances. Congratulations also to Tannie Ans and his management team,” Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, said. 

So much more ahead, says star
“I really feel I worked hard for tonight and I gave it my all. And I think I have proven over and over again I deserve what I have achieved. It was a tough week for me,” Van Niekerk said in an interview with the BBC. “I am glad that I could come out again today and put on a good fight. I really believe this is just the beginning of so much more I can achieve.”

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