In what is her very first collegiate season, she produced a heave of 54.22 metres during the Aztec International meet in San Diego, California.

De Klerk bettered her previous best of 53.50 metres by nearly a metre.

The 18-year-old Free Stater then went on to show her versatility by winning the women's shot put with an effort of 17.04 metres.

“This achievement does not come as a surprise at all,” said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa. “She clearly remains focussed since her golden performances at the WA U20 Championships in Kenya.

“We congratulate her coach and support staff for what has been achieved over the weekend. Her move to study in the USA has not clouded her ambitions and we can only encourage her to keep her focus on targeting the world.”

In August of 2021, De Klerk won the junior women’s shot put gold at the World Championship in Nairobi, Kenya, with a throw of 17.40 metres.

The day before she claimed the silver in the women’s discus with a throw of 52.30m, while was her personal best, as well as a South African and African junior record.

De Klerk's new junior record will officially be recognised once the standard ratification procedures have been completed.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport