Alberton sprint hurdler Enrique Bosch broke new ground when he set a new South African U18 men’s 110m hurdles record on his way to capturing the national title during the ASA age-group track and field championships at Germiston Stadium.

Bosch, coached by Lindi du Plessis at Boksburg Stadium, stopped the clock at 12.92, taking 0.02 seconds off Curro Hazeldean short and long hurdles star Matodzi Ndou’s 12.94 set at a Curro Podium Meet in 2024.

“I really want to start and say all glory to God. I’ve just been running for Him the whole season,” he said. “I put in the work with my coaches, Lindi and Cornè. They’ve been the best ever. If it wasn’t for them and me working hard, I definitely wouldn’t have broken the 13 second barrier.”

On the start line, the Central Gauteng athlete appeared focused and composed. Once the gun sounded, he attacked each hurdle with precision before bursting out with excitement after noticing he had crossed the line in 12.92, which was also a personal best.

“When I saw that 12, there were like a thousand stars going through my head. It has been a dream since last year. So all glory to God again. Really, it was just a dream come true.”

Also Read: Boksburg hurdler Myburgh reflects on successful 2025

The 16-year old said he had planned to attempt a sub-13 seconds clocking in the final, but never thought he would end up shattering the national record in the process.

Bosch credited the influence of his school, Helpmekaar Kollege, in his success, also noting the key role played by Lindi and Cornè, who also coach Olympian Lythe Pillay, in turning him into the competitor he is.

“The school has influenced a bit of my training, but my coach put in all the work. He even did my physiotherapy because my physio didn’t have space. So I went late at night to his house and he massaged me until 20:00. They really went in and did all the work. So all glory to them and God,” said Bosch.

The athlete said he is influenced by SA sprint hurdler, Olympian Mondray Barnard, three-time world champion and 2024 Paris Olympic gold medallist Grant Holloway and reigning world champion Cordell Tinch.

“Mondray is very good in hurdles. He also cares about spreading the word of God and just being good for society. And then some of the best hurdlers are Grant Holloway and Cordell Tinch. I really look up to them.”

In the long-term, he wants to represent SA on the world stage.

“I want to make this my work someday. I want to earn money. So I definitely want to go to the World Athletics outdoor and indoor champs and Olympic Games.”

Also Read: Fourie hurdles way to silver medal at CGA champs