Francois Potgieter

  Date of birth 24/02/1978:

Date started running/competing: 1983
 
Events ompeted in: High Jump, Hurdles, Pole Vault and Decathlon
 
Short biog:
I've been participating in athletics ever since I can remember. I started out as a high jumper, but was involved in a major motor car accident in 1997. Being unable to compete for a couple of years, I thought that my athletics career was over. In 1999 though, I decided to have a go at a second athletics career. Since then I've loved taking part again and discovered multi-eventing is my passion!! I joined CH in March 2007 and haven't looked back since!
 
Who has been your biggest inspiration? Roman Sebrele - Decathlon world record holder
 
Personal bests (Event type, time/distance, location, date): Decathlon 7272; High Jump 2.18; Hurdles 13.9; 100m 10.98; Long Jump 7.27; Shotput 12.80; Discus 41.00; Javeliln 45.70; Pole Vault 4.90; 400m 49.05; 400m h 54.70; 200m 23.1; 1500m 5.00.05
 
Favourite race and why: 400m - Its the most scary standing in front of those blocks....such a long way...but always great...even though its the toughest!
 
Career highlights:
World leading height as a 16 year old in high jump - 2.15
Finalist at world junior games in Australia in 1996 - placed 8th
All-African multi-event gold medalist in 2005
Cambridge Harriers 4 by 4 team running to victory in BAL play-offs Sept 2008
 
Injuries: Patella-femoral syndrome 2006 - current; Major motor vehicle accident - 1997 - multiple injuries; Current abdominal tear
 
Career ambition
Still trying to get fit enough to get one or two more PBs before I retire!! Mostly though, its to continue to enjoy participation and be inspired to perform well.