In a shocking turn of events, the body of former high jump world champion Jacques Freitag has been discovered by South African police after he went missing last month. The 42-year-old athlete, who won the 2003 world title in Paris and competed at the 2004 Olympics, had been shot. His family chose not to comment on the matter.
The news of Freitag’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through the sports community in South Africa and beyond. Fans and colleagues are mourning the loss of a talented athlete who achieved great success in his career. Despite his challenges with drug addiction following the end of his athletics career, Freitag was part of a small group of athletes who had won world titles at the youth, junior, and senior levels.
Freitag’s sister, Chrissie Lewis, had taken to social media to appeal for help in finding her brother, who disappeared in the early hours of June 17 after leaving his mother’s house. Lewis mentioned that Freitag had struggled with drug addiction following the end of his athletics career. However, despite his challenges, Freitag remained a beloved member of the sports community and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
The circumstances surrounding Freitag’s death are still under investigation by the authorities, but it is clear that his impact on those around him will never be forgotten. As we mourn this tragic loss, let us remember Freitag as an inspiration to all aspiring athletes and as a reminder that even in our darkest moments
