The Hoërskool Menlopark athlete throws 60.78m at the ACNW League in Potchefstroom, breaking the previous global benchmark and qualifying for the World U20 Championships in Eugene.
Potchefstroom, South Africa (06 March 2026) – South African athletics continues to produce remarkable young talent, and 16-year-old Joshua Gerber from Die Hoërskool Menlopark has once again shown why he is one of the country’s most exciting prospects in the throwing events.
Competing at the ACNW League meeting in Potchefstroom, the teenager delivered a record-breaking performance that has placed his name firmly in the global athletics conversation. Joshua launched the 1.75kg discus an incredible 60.78 metres, setting a new world record for a 16-year-old athlete.
The throw surpassed the previous record of 59.92 metres, which had been held by Jamaica’s Ralford Mullings since 2019, beating it by nearly a full metre.
This historic moment adds to a growing list of achievements at a very young age. Despite still being only 16, he has been competing in the under-20 age category. And the latest milestone also marks his second world record.
Back in 2024, Joshua impressed the athletics world with a 47.02-metre throw using a 1.75kg discus. His performance has also secured him qualification for the World Under-20 Championships in Eugene, USA, where he will have the opportunity to test himself against some of the best young athletes from around the world.
Sources: Supplied
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Hi there! His 2024 WR was a distance of 47,02. Tx for covering Joshua’s achievement!
Excellent read! I’ve been exploring similar ideas at Institute of Physical and Sport Sciences and your perspective adds great value.