The body of Jacques Freitag, the former high jump world champion, was found near Zandfontein Cemetery in Pretoria, South Africa, according to local police statements on Wednesday, July 3.
Freitag, aged 42, had been missing since the middle of June. His death is now under investigation as a homicide. Arrest warrants are out for two people, Rudie Lubbe and Chantelle Oosthuizen, who are being charged with murder and are currently on the run.
Freitag was last seen in the early hours of June 17 as he left his mother’s home in Pretoria West in the company of an unidentified man.
Freitag, a high jump world champion who seized the title in Paris in 2003 and competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics, was found with multiple gunshot injuries.
Chrissie Lewis, Freitag’s sister, had previously used social media platforms to ask for assistance in finding her brother. Lewis stated that since his retirement from athletics in 2013, Freitag had been battling drug addiction.
In a mid-June Facebook post, as she sought information regarding his whereabouts, Lewis wrote, “Jacques had a hard time after he stopped competing. He couldn’t find a stable path, and his addiction only made things worse.”
Freitag was one of the rare athletes who managed to secure world titles at youth, junior, and senior levels. His athletic prowess was widely acknowledged, setting a personal best of 7 feet 10 inches in 2005, which still stands as a South African national record.
Hendrick Mokganyetsi, chairperson of Athletics South Africa’s commission, acknowledged Freitag’s significant 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 started at a young age. He secured the gold medal at the 2000 World Junior Championships in Santiago, Chile, and later at the 2003 World Championships in Paris. His successful athletic career was characterized by his powerful jumping style and consistent performance.
The circumstances leading to Freitag’s death are still uncertain. His family has not made any public comments, leaving many questions unanswered. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo announced that a search-and-rescue team discovered 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 stated.
The mysterious disappearance and subsequent death of Freitag have shrouded the South African sports community in grief, mourning the loss of one of its most decorated athletes. Friends and former teammates remember Freitag not just for his athletic prowess but also for his amicable and approachable personality.
“He was always willing to help younger athletes and was a mentor to many,” Mokganyetsi commented. “His passing is a significant loss to our community.”
Despite his battle with addiction, Freitag’s legacy in the high jump remains unmatched. However, his life took a turbulent turn after retiring from professional sports.
The police investigation is still ongoing, with local media speculating that Freitag might have been embroiled in a dispute related to his addiction, but this theory has not been confirmed by official sources.
The shocking news has sent waves of sadness through the athletics world. Social media has been inundated 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.