Marione Fourie will attempt to become the third Tuks female athlete in 16 years to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games next week when she competes in the 100m hurdles in Glasgow.
It is almost certain that she will not win gold. Nigeria's world record holder, Tobi Amusan (12.12s), is in a class of her own among Commonwealth Games countries. Her time of 12.28s this year is the second fastest. Only Masai Russell (USA), 12.14s, is faster.
The other medal hopefuls will have to sprint it out for silver and bronze—a mere 0.22s separates the next four fastest athletes at the Commonwealth Games. Devyane Charlton (Bahamas)'s best time this season is 12.37s. Megan Simmonds (Jamaica) boasts a best time of 12.47s, Kerrica Hill (Jamaica) with 12.50s and Fourie with 12.59s.
Fourie has set herself two goals for the season. One is to medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and the other is to qualify for the World Athletics' Ultimate Championships in Budapest.
To qualify for the Ultimate Championships, she must be among the top 16 fastest in the 100m hurdles. It is certainly doable. Last year, Fourie was the 19th fastest in the world; in 2024, the 15th fastest; and in 2023, the 17th fastest. She is currently ranked 21st in the world.
What counts in Fourie's favour is that she has been very consistent this year. In six of her 10 races so far, her times have been faster than 12.70s. This indicates that a breakthrough could happen at any moment.
One thing that could count against Fourie is that she has not had to rely on various coaches by choice for the past two years. The world-renowned Laurent Meuwly is currently coaching her.
It is worth noting that under Meuwly's guidance, the Netherlands' Femke Broeders-Bol won the 400m hurdles at the World Championships twice (2023 and 2025). She is currently the third fastest in the world in the 800m.
In South African athletics circles, it has been said a lot that Fourie has some of the best hurdle techniques. Meuwly disagrees.
"In my very first training session, I was made to understand that there were various aspects of technique that I would need to improve if I wanted to run faster times. I'm impressed. He really has a good eye."
Judging by the results of the previous five Commonwealth Games, Fourie should definitely make it to the finals. In the final, the fastest time to win silver was 12.58s, and the fastest to win bronze was 12.59s. The Tuks athlete is capable of running these times.
Over the past five years, she has improved her best time by almost a full second. In 2021, it was 13.47 seconds, and currently, it is 12.49 seconds.
Fourie will be in action on Thursday in the heats (12:30pm).
Marlie Viljoen is the other Tuks athlete competing at the Games. She will compete in the 400m heats on Tuesday at 11:30am.