The body of former high jump world champion, Jacques Freitag, was discovered in a field near Zandfontein Cemetery in Pretoria, South Africa, local police confirmed on Wednesday, July 3. The 42-year-old athlete had been missing since mid-June, and his death is now under investigation as a murder case.
Freitag was last seen when he left his mother’s Pretoria West house with an unknown man on June 17 at around 1 a.m.
Freitag, who won the high jump world title in Paris in 2003 and competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics, was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities have not yet made any arrests, but they are actively pursuing leads.
Freitag’s sister, Chrissie Lewis, had taken to social media to seek help in locating her brother. According to Lewis, Freitag had struggled with drug addiction since retiring from his athletic career in 2013.
“Jacques had a hard time after he stopped competing. He couldn’t find a stable path, and his addiction only made things worse,” Lewis posted on Facebook in mid-June, appealing for information on his whereabouts.
Freitag was one of a few athletes who achieved world titles at youth, junior, and senior levels. His athletic prowess was well-recognized, having set a personal best of 7 feet 10 inches in 2005, which remains a South African national record.
Hendrick Mokganyetsi, chairperson of Athletics South Africa’s commission, reflected on Freitag’s contributions to the sport. “Jacques was a beacon of talent and inspiration. His achievements on the field were extraordinary, and he paved the way for future generations of South African high jumpers,” Mokganyetsi said.
Freitag’s career began to ascend at a young age. He won the gold medal at the 2000 World Junior Championships in Santiago, Chile, and later at the 2003 World Championships in Paris. His athletic success was marked by his powerful jumping style and consistent performance.
The events leading to Freitag’s death remain unclear. His family had refrained from commenting publicly, leaving many questions unanswered. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo stated that a search-and-rescue team found Freitag’s body on July 2. “We are treating this as a murder case and are following up on several leads. We urge anyone with information to come forward,” Masondo said.
Freitag’s disappearance and subsequent death have cast a shadow over the South African sports community, which continues to mourn the loss of one of its most accomplished athletes. Friends and former teammates remembered Freitag not only for his athletic skills but also for his friendly and approachable nature.
“He was always willing to help younger athletes and was a mentor to many,” said Mokganyetsi. “His passing is a significant loss to our community.”
Despite his struggles with addiction, Freitag’s legacy in the high jump remains untouched. His jump of 7 feet 10 inches in 2005 was one of the highest jumps recorded by a South African athlete. However, after retiring from professional sports, Freitag’s life took a tumultuous turn.
The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed potential suspects or motives. Local media speculated that Freitag may have been involved in a conflict related to his addiction. However, this remains unconfirmed by official sources.
The athletics world has reacted with shock and sadness. Social media has been flooded with tributes from fans and fellow athletes who remember Freitag for his contributions to the sport. Athletics South Africa has announced plans for a memorial to honor his achievements and to provide support to his family during this difficult time.
