Spectacular Performances, New Records at the 2026 Curro Podium Grand Finale
Pilditch Stadium, Tshwane — 13 & 14 February 2026
Over two thrilling days of competition at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria, the 2026 Curro Podium Grand Finale lived up to its billing. It is one of the premier events on the school athletics calendar. The two-day festival of sport showcased some of the most exciting young track and field talent in South Africa.
A gathering of the nation’s best
Die Hoërskool Menlopark emerged as winners of the Grand Finale again this year. Helpmekaar Kollege came in second and Curro Hazeldean in third place. In addition to the school competition, the event featured another leg of the Akani Simbine Classic Shootout – an elite invitational.
ALSO READ: Simbine Classic Shoot-out
Athletic stars participating included Udeme Okon (racing to victory in 32.16 in the 300m shout-out) and Marli Viljoen (clocking 1:27.25 in the 600m shout-out for women). The 18 year old Rume Burger from Oranje Meisies, reigning Senior Woman’s 200m champion, also featured in the 300m shout-out. Although coming in second after Jada van Staden, Burger obliterated the U20 women’s national best of 37.64 with a time of 37.00.
Jayden Fourie’s Breakout Double
One of the defining stories of the Curro Podium Grand Finale was Jayden Fourie of Hoërskool Outeniqua. He delivered a stunning sprint double. In the boys U17 200m final, Fourie stopped the clock at 20.99 seconds. He also claimed gold in the U17 100m with a blistering 10.38-second meeting record victory in a highly competitive field.
Records galore in the Grand Finale
In the U17 100m hurdles, 17 year old Megan Nieman of Die Hoërskool Menlopark stormed to a 13.02 second victory improving her own U18 African record set in Potchefstroom last year with 0.08 seconds.
Several meeting records also came under fire. Michaela Spocter set a new U19 Curro Podium Grand Finale girls high jump record with a remarkable 1.76m! In the 1500m event, Hazeldean’s Tiisetso Malungane, crushes the U17 1500m record at the with a incredible 3:45:35.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on an exhilarating two days at Pilditch, athletes, coaches and spectators are now focusing on the final stretch of the athletics season. Provincial Championships are the next big milestone with the Age Group National Championships set to take place in Germiston on 26 – 28 March 2026.
Photos by Lulu Sport Pics.
