From record-breaking jumps to lightning-fast sprints, more than 1,400 young athletes brought Paarl to life at the Curro Podium South meeting
Paarl, South Africa (27 October 2025)- South African school athletics was on full display in Paarl as over 1,400 of the country’s most promising athletes brought the heat to the Curro Podium South meeting.
The two-day event at Dal Josafat Stadium saw several national champions, African title holders, and record-breakers step up, proving why youth athletics in South Africa is thriving.
“Events like Curro Podium showcase this philosophy in action, giving young athletes a platform to compete at the highest school level.” – Cindy van der Merwe, Portfolio Manager for Curro Sport.
Compete, they did. From primary to high school level, learners ran, jumped and threw. Ultimately, lighting up the track and field. The primary school edition was a big hit, giving kids between 7 and 13 their first real taste of big-stage competition. Durbanville Primary, Gene Louw, and Courtrai Primary led the way in the team standings, while young stars like Martus Schoeman and Lisa Krige impressed in track events.
At the high school meet, it was pure fireworks. Jayden Fourie (Hoërskool Outeniqua) came just shy of a personal best in the U17 long jump, leaping 7.62m. Jayden declared he was aiming high! His confidence matched his talent.
“I’m coming for that 8-metre mark.”
Over in the high jump, Michaela Spocter (Meridian Pinehurst) cleared 1.75m to claim top spot, while discus queen Mila Ueckermann (Hoërskool Stellenbosch) went one better, throwing 53.76m. Making that a new personal best from the African champion.
On the track, Miche van Staden (Curro Durbanville) sprinted to a fantastic double victory in the 100m and 200m, showing just how strong Curro’s athletic pipeline has become.
The Curro Podium series continues to grow, now recognised as one of South Africa’s biggest school athletics events, culminating in a national Grand Finale at Pilditch Stadium next February. Cindy reflected on what makes gatherings like this so special.
“Every record broken, every personal best achieved, every young athlete pushing beyond their limits, this is why we do what we do. South Africa’s sporting future is bright and it starts right here.”
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