For Helpmekaar Kollege learner Enrique Bosch, the roar of the crowd at Pilditch Stadium quickly faded into something far more personal, the quiet realisation that years of dedication had just carried him into the history books.

Enrique recently produced one of the most remarkable junior performances in global athletics, clocking 13.12 seconds in the U18 110m hurdles, the fastest time recorded in the world this year.

The run not only set a new meeting record but also placed the young hurdler among the top 10 fastest U18 times ever recorded globally.

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The performance also secured Enrique’s place as the fourth fastest U18 110m hurdler in South African history, a milestone that left the Helpmekaar athlete both proud and grateful.

“It was an amazing feeling,” he said. “It’s rewarding to see all the hard work finally paying off. I’m really thankful for my coaches and my family who have supported me every step of the way.”

Enrique’s athletics journey began long before the headlines. He first stepped onto the track in Grade 1, initially competing as a sprinter. However, it was during Grade 7, when he won his first South African 80m hurdles title, that his natural talent for the discipline became clear.

Interestingly, hurdles were not his first love.

“My coach suggested that I try hurdles even though I preferred sprinting at the time,” he explained. “After winning my first race, I realised I had the technique for it and started enjoying the challenge.”

Today, that challenge shapes his daily routine. Bosch trains regularly from 16:00 to 18:00, before heading home to focus on his schoolwork until late in the evening. During the off-season, he also incorporates gym sessions to strengthen his core and assist with injury rehabilitation.

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Enrique draws inspiration from elite hurdlers such as Grant Holloway and South African athlete Mondray Barnard, admiring not only their performances but also their commitment to using sport as a platform to inspire others.

For Enrique, the magic of hurdles lies in the rhythm of the race itself.

“The best part is the first few steps out of the blocks,” he said. “Once you clear the first hurdle and find your rhythm, everything just flows when your arms and feet work together perfectly.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Enrique Bosch a Grade 11 hurdler from Helpmekaar Kollege runs 110m hurdles in 13.12s. Video: Supplied #Localnews #caxtonlocalmedia #johannesburg #Communitynews #SA #supportlocalsports #sportsnews ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Despite already making global headlines, the young athlete believes this achievement is only the beginning. His immediate goal is to win the South African championships and break the national U18 record of 12.98 seconds.

For now, however, the Helpmekaar star remains focused on the next race, one hurdle at a time.

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