It’s a deal that will be running through to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA. While the timing of the deal came as a surprise to her camp, Nike had always been the preferred brand for the South African senior 200-metre champion, and the agreement has left Burger both grateful and highly motivated.

The contract is structured as an NIL deal (name, image, and likeness), which allows an athlete to control the commercial use of their image. Importantly, this means the agreement does not affect her NCAA eligibility. 

Rumé Burger after breaking the SA Schools 200m record in Bloemfontein in 2025. Photo: Morgan Piek

Should Burger opt to pursue a collegiate career in the United States, that decision will only be made after the World Under-20 Championships, scheduled for August later this year. Following her breakout year, the focus has now shifted firmly to backing it up. 

Burger has been training consistently since 1 June and is currently in excellent shape, measuring between 10 and 15 percent stronger than she was at the same point last year. Her dedication and steady progress in training have boosted her confidence as she heads into the 2026 season.

Speaking to OFM Sport, the matric learner from Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje said securing a deal with arguably the leading athletics apparel brand in the world has fuelled her hunger for bigger and better things.

“Being recognised by a brand like Nike is honestly very humbling. It’s something I’ve been dreaming about for so long, and to see my hard work being noticed means so much to me,” said Burger. 

“I never thought that a girl like me, coming from South Africa – and especially the Free State – would get an opportunity like this. It gives me confidence, but more than that, it motivates me to keep raising the standards, not just for myself, but to show younger athletes that your dreams are valid, no matter where you come from.”

Burger added that while 2025 was a stellar year, improvement remains the priority as she sets her sights on qualifying for the World Under-20 Championships in the USA, while ensuring her schooling stays on track.  

Rumé Burger is the reigning national women’s 200m champion after clinching the senior title in Potchefstroom in 2025. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The past year was definitely a breakthrough for me. I stayed consistent, trusted God’s plan, and challenged myself physically and mentally – especially after coming back from my injury in 2024.

“My main goal is to have an even better year than last season. I want to defend my 200-metre national title, keep improving, and hopefully represent South Africa at the World Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.”

Burger’s competitive season gets underway at the Simbine Classic Shootout on 6 February at Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria. The following week, she will compete in the Simbine Shootout with the Curro Podium at Pilditch, where she is set to line up in the 150 metres and 300 metres against strong opposition from South Africa's leading women's sprinters.

Rumé Burger is the daughter of former Toyota Cheetahs and Blitzboks flyer Philip Burger, and granddaughter of former Springbok lock Thys Burger. Photo: Morgan Piek

These early races will provide a valuable benchmark, particularly with relay selection for this year’s World Championships in mind.

The primary objective for the season remains the World Under-20 Championships. The immediate target is a place in the final, with a medal firmly in sight once there. 

While possible involvement in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, remains uncertain, the overarching ambition is crystal clear: to win gold at the World Under-20 Championships.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh