Collette Uys Claims Bronze in Women’s Shot Put at World University Games

Rhine-Ruhr, Germany – July 21, 2025
South Africa’s Collette Uys earned a hard-fought bronze medal in the women’s shot put final at the 2025 FISU World University Games, delivering a composed performance in what turned out to be one of the tightest contests of the evening.

Uys recorded her best throw of 17.34 metres on her first attempt, a mark that ultimately secured her a place on the podium. The margins were exceptionally narrow—just five centimetres separated second from fourth place. The silver went to Abria Smith of the United States with 17.38m, while fellow South African Mine De Klerk finished just one centimetre behind Uys in fourth place with 17.33m.

Sweden’s Axelina Johansson won the event comfortably with a standout throw of 18.45m.

For Uys, this was not only her first international medal at the World University Games, but also South Africa’s first athletics medal of the competition, and one of three medals earned by the country in athletics on the night.

Earlier this year, Uys made a strong impression at the 2025 South African National Championships, where she achieved podium finishes in three of the four throwing events—winning gold in the shot put and discus, and silver in the hammer throw. It was a rare and commendable achievement that highlighted her versatility across the throwing disciplines.

She recorded personal bests of 18.14m in the shot put and 57.94m in the discus. In the past decade, only Ashley Erasmus (18.17m in shot put) and Yolandi Stander (58.80m in discus) have gone further among South African athletes, placing Uys among the top recent performers in these events.

Reflecting on her performance after the final, Uys expressed gratitude for the support around her.

“I’m just really thankful. A lot of work went into this, and I owe a lot to my coach and support team,” she said. “It feels good to come away with something for all the effort.”

While the contest was close and fiercely competitive, Uys remained steady under pressure and delivered a result that reflects her consistent form throughout the year. Her performance continues a strong run of results for South Africa’s track and field athletes at the Games.