NWU sprint hurdler Franco le Roux delivered a standout performance at the World Athletics Indoor Championship in Poland On Saturday 21 March. He set a new time of 7.50 seconds in the men’s 60 m hurdles, surpassing Shaun Bownes’ record of 7.52 seconds, set in Belgium in 2001, and thereby wrote his name in the history books of African athletics.

Competing in his first Indoor Championships, Le Roux broke the continental record set by his coach, Shaun Bownes, one that stood untouched for 25 years. In a moment of rich significance, the student surpassed the teacher.

Le Roux described the moment as absolutely amazing, and said that he could not believe it. “It did not sink in until I crossed the finish line and saw the time. I was completely amazed and wished Coach Shaun could have been here with me to share this special moment,” he said.

Bownes said he is looking forward to writing Franco’s new chapter with him. “Having Franco break my African record was a huge highlight. He is a young hurdler who is already performing like a world-class athlete. Franco is a super talent, and it is awesome working with him. Setting a new record and reaching the finals was a magnificent feat.”

This storming performance earned Le Roux a spot in the semi-finals of the 60m hurdles heat, where he finished fourth with a time of 7.55 seconds. In the finals, Le Roux secured a personal best of 7.51.

“Knowing that I am one of the best gives me confidence,” Le Roux declared. “When I stand behind the blocks on the starting line, I know that my coach’s and team’s hard work will pay off because I am on the right track,” he added.

With hurdles being a technical event, Bownes asserted that constant improvement is always the goal. “Franco is always positive, pushing harder and wanting to go to the next level. He is never afraid and is always open to new challenges,” he concluded.

This achievement signals growth in South Africa’s sprint hurdles and cements the NWU’s reputation as a training ground for developing athletes who compete bravely on the world stage.

NWU Sprint Hurdler Franco le Roux