On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, local police in South Africa confirmed the discovery of the body of Jacques Freitag, a former high jump world champion. His body was found in a field close to the Zandfontein Cemetery in Pretoria. Freitag, 42, had been missing since June and his death is now being investigated as a homicide.
The athlete was last seen leaving his mother’s residence in West Pretoria with an unidentified man around 1 a.m. on June 17.
No arrests have been made so far, but the police are looking for two people, Rudie Lubbe and Chantelle Oosthuizen, in what may be a love triangle motive. Lubbe and Oosthuizen are believed to be on the run.
Freitag, known for his victory in the 2003 high jump world championship in Paris and his participation in the 2004 Athens Olympics, was found with several gunshot wounds.
His sister, Chrissie Lewis, had previously made a public plea on social media to help locate Freitag, who had been battling with drug addiction since his retirement from athletics in 2013.
In a Facebook post in June, Lewis shared, “Jacques had a hard time after he stopped competing. He couldn’t find a stable path, and his addiction only made things worse,” as she sought information on his whereabouts.
Freitag was one of the rare athletes who bagged world titles at youth, junior, and senior levels. His sporting talent was widely acknowledged, with his personal best of 7 feet 10 inches in 2005 still standing as a South African national record.
“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,” stated Hendrick Mokganyetsi, chairperson of Athletics South Africa’s commission.
Freitag’s career started early. He clinched a gold medal at the 2000 World Junior Championships in Santiago, Chile, and later at the 2003 World Championships in Paris. His athletic success was characterized by his powerful jumping style and consistent performance.
The circumstances leading to Freitag’s death are still unclear. His family has not publicly commented, leaving many questions unanswered. According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, 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 South African sports community continues to grieve the loss of one of its most successful athletes. Friends and former teammates remember Freitag not only for his sporting prowess but also for his friendly and approachable demeanor.
“He was always willing to help younger athletes and was a mentor to many,” Mokganyetsi added. “His passing is a significant loss to our community.”
Despite his personal struggles, Freitag’s legacy in the high jump remains unscathed. Nevertheless, his life took a turbulent turn after his retirement from professional sports.
The police investigation continues, with no information released regarding motives. Local media have speculated that Freitag’s drug addiction may have led to a conflict that resulted in his death. However, official sources have not confirmed these speculations.
The news of Freitag’s death has been met with shock and sorrow in the world of athletics. Tributes from fans and fellow athletes have flooded social media, remembering Freitag’s contributions to the sport. Athletics South Africa has announced plans for a memorial to honor his achievements and to support his family during this difficult period.