Former Olympian Found Murdered In A Field
Jacques Freitag, high jump world champion, vanished about a month ago, and police have found his missing body.
South African officials have opened up a murder investigation. ESPN confirmed that Freitag’s body was located in a field near Zanfontein Cemetery in Pretoria, South Africa. It has been indicated he had been shot. His family has already identified his body.
Currently, law enforcement is following up on leads; but, no arrests have been made.
Freitag, 42 won the long jump title in Paris, at the 2003 World Championships. He also competed in the 2004 Olympics, representing South Africa.
The champion made significant contributions to the sport both nationally and internationally. One of his most notable accomplishments came in 2003 when he won the World Championships in Paris. His winning jump of 2.35 meters made him the first South African to win a world title in the high jump.
In addition to his world championship victory, Freitag also claimed multiple titles in continental competitions, including the African Championships and the All-Africa Games. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure earned him a reputation as one of the top high jumpers of his era.
Despite his success, Freitag’s career was not without its challenges. He struggled with injuries that minimized his performance and prevented him from competing at his best in some major competitions, including the Olympics.
In 2006, Freitag announced his retirement from competitive athletics. While injuries played a significant role in his decision, he also expressed a desire to focus on other aspects of his life, including coaching and mentoring young athletes. His retirement marked the end of an era for South African athletics, but his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Chrissie Lewis, Freitag’s sister, took to Facebook to help find her missing brother. He disappeared after leaving his mother’s house on June 17 before sunrise. It has been reported Freitag was battling a drug addiction after his athletic career ended.