EVENT: HIGH JUMP
PROFILE
Nationality: RSA
Place of birth: Cape Town
DOB: 23 March 2000
Coach: Bennie Schlechter
PERSONAL BESTS
High Jump: 2.24 m
HONORS
High jump: 2.24 m, World U-18 Championships, Nairobi, 2017
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
High jump: 2.24 m, World U-18 Championships, Nairobi, 2017
BIOGRAPHY
Standing at just 1.72 metres, Breyton Poole defies gravity.
A talented young rugby player and gymnast, Poole was rewarded for his decision in 2017 to focus on athletics when he stunned the world to win the global youth title.
In the final at the World U-18 Championships, he had the packed crowd at Kasarani Stadium on its feet, clearing 2.24m to win by eight centimetres (8cm) as he added 6cm to his career best.
His performance placed him 17th in the world all-time list in his age group, just one centimetre short of the national youth record.
Having ended the season in second spot in the South African senior rankings, he is already looking to establish his place as the country's best high jumper.
Though he is still juggling his training schedule with high school commitments at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch, Poole has showcased his ability and is expected to spearhead his generation by taking another big stride forward in an ongoing South African track and field revolution.