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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

Two from UFS heading for Rio
2016-07-18

Description: Rynhardt_Rio Tags: Rynhardt_Rio

The 800 m athlete from the University of the
Free State, Rynhardt van Rensburg, will soon
take part in his first Olympic Games in
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Photo: Varsity Sports / Wessel Oosthuizen

It is the cherry on top for any sportsman or sportswoman. This is what DB Prinsloo, Director of KovsieSport, has to say about two athletes from the University of the Free State (UFS) being included in the South African team for the Olympic Games.

He says the officials and coaches at KovsieSport are extremely proud of Rynhardt van Rensburg (800 m) and Wayde van Niekerk (400 m). Although they qualified earlier, their names were read out on 14 July 2016 as part of the team of 137 athletes that will participate in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 5 to 21 August.

In the footsteps of other UFS stars

They follow in the footsteps of former Kovsies like Leslé-Ann George (women’s hockey), Kate Roberts (triathlon), Johan Cronjé (1 500 m), and Frantz Kruger (discus), who represented South Africa at previous Olympics. Apart from these two, four former Kovsies were also included in the team for Rio. They are the Sevens Springbok Philip Snyman, Sevens coach Neil Powell, Chris Dednam as badminton coach and Roberts as team manager of the triathletes. Dednam also competed as a player at the Olympics. Ans Botha, the UFS sprint coach, will also accompany Van Niekerk.

“It is a highlight for any sportsman or sportswoman to be part of the Olympic Games. It is, for example, the same as it is for others to participate in a World Cup,” says Prinsloo.

Description: Wayde2_Rio Tags: Wayde2_Rio

Wayde van Niekerk

Van Niekerk shows mettle on birthday

Prinsloo is very happy for Van Rensburg, since the 24-year-old athlete has been injured for a long time and had to regain his form. On 24 June 2016, he won a bronze medal at the African Championships in Durban in a time of 1:46.15.

Prinsloo feels that Van Niekerk and Caster Semenya (800 m) are great contenders for medals in Rio. Van Niekerk, who celebrated his 24th birthday on 15 July 2016, continued his good preparation for the Olympics by trouncing his rivals on his birthday at a Diamond League event in Monaco in a time of in 44.12.

 

“It is a highlight for any sportsman or
sportswoman to be part of the Olympic Games.”










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