Jayden brings home the gold

GEORGE NEWS - His sights may already be set on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, but for now, Jayden Fourie (16) from George will be enjoying a well-deserved break after an exceptional performance at the 4th African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.

Jayden returned home to George on Tuesday 16 December after sprinting, leaping and soaring his way to two gold medals and a silver at the continental showpiece.

Coached by his father, Johnny, this talented Outeniqua High learner has been making headlines throughout the year. Earlier in 2025, he dominated the 100m and 200m sprints at the Kwagga top 10 athletics meeting in Oudtshoorn and won the U16 boys’ long jump with an impressive leap of 7.58m.

He also tested himself against senior South African champions and handled the challenge with confidence and success.

At the African Youth Games, Jayden won gold in the 200m final in 20.88s. He added a second gold medal in the boys’ long jump with a distance of 7.59m and helped South Africa secure a silver medal in the medley relay.

Jayden has also been selected for the preliminary South African U20 World Team, which is set to compete in Oregon, USA, next year, further confirmation of his rising status in South African athletics.

Jayden said the trip was a fantastic and eye-opening experience and that he enjoyed learning about Angola’s culture and food and making new friends who travelled to the games with him.

Jayden Fourie with his family at the airport on Tuesday: his grandmother, Theresa Greyling, his mother, Amelia, his sister, Nianke, he and his father, Johnny. Photos: Jeff Ayliffe