EUGENE, Ore. – Incoming Drury track and field freshman Ryno Riekert made program history last week, becoming the first Panther to compete and medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships.
 
Representing South Africa, Riekert competed as the leadoff runner in both the men's 4x400-meter relay and mixed 4x400-meter relay. Riekert posted a 47.56-second split in the mixed relay and a 46.67 split in the men's relay.
 
Riekert opened competition Aug. 5 in the mixed 4x400-meter relay. The squad of Riekert, Davida Strong, Abelines Schoeman and Isabella Gunter advanced to the final and finished sixth with a time of 3:21.48. Team USA won gold in 3:15.31, while Czechia (3:18.16) and Australia (3:18.45) placed second and third, respectively.
 
On the final day of competition, Aug. 9, Riekert helped South Africa capture the silver medal in the men's 4x400-meter relay. Riekert, Kryn Romijn, Schoeman and Leendert Koekemoer finished second in the final with a time of 3:02.76. Team USA won the event in 3:01.39, led by 2024 Olympic gold medalist Quincy Wilson. France followed in third (3:04.80).
 
Riekert also competes in the 200 and 400 meters and owns personal bests of 21.10 and 46.03, respectively. He will join the Panthers for the indoor track and field season this winter. 

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