When Mondray Barnard exploded off the blocks at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Championships, he wasn’t just running for gold—he was running for the history books. The first-year IIE Bachelor of Commerce student at IIE Varsity College (Nelson Mandela Bay Campus) left the crowd breathless as he stormed to victory in the 110m hurdles with a record-setting time of 13.45 seconds.
The win not only secured him the USSA gold but also punched his ticket to the 2025 World University Games in Germany—a dream stage for one of South Africa’s rising stars in track and field.
Double Trouble: Fast Times at ASA Champs
Just days before rewriting the USSA record, Barnard was in another nail-biter: the ASA Senior Championships, where he claimed silver by just seven-thousandths of a second. Both the gold and silver medallists clocked 13.44 seconds, making it one of the tightest races in recent memory.
That time not only earned him a national podium spot but also tied him for the fourth-fastest 110m hurdles time ever by a South African. And if that wasn’t enough? It obliterated the Eastern Province Athletics (EPA) record.
“I Was Going for Gold—But I Got Growth”
Reflecting on the journey, Barnard shared:
“The result at ASA Champs was not what I had planned as I was going for Gold, but I am grateful that it prepared me for USSA. I am thrilled that I did achieve the EPA record, my personal best, and one of the fastest times in South African history.”
His hunger, humility, and speed make it clear—Mondray Barnard isn’t just a name to watch. He’s a name to remember.
Road to Germany 2025
With the World University Games in Germany now in his sights, Barnard will be flying the Nelson Mandela Bay and South African flags high on the international stage this July. And if his current form is anything to go by, he’s not done breaking records yet.
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