About Kenneth 

Kenneth Phooko, born on 30 July 2009 in Kempton Park, is an emerging South African high jump athlete and a proud representative of Hoërskool Jeugland. He rose to national prominence in April 2026, marking himself as one of the country’s most exciting young talents in athletics.

Kenneth’s passion for high jump began at the age of 10. Alongside athletics, he demonstrated exceptional versatility across multiple sports. He earned selection to his primary school’s first rugby team and, during high school, progressed rapidly in hockey, securing a place in the first team within just two years. He has also represented South Africa in ringball/korfball. Despite his involvement in various sporting codes, high jump has always remained his primary focus and true passion.

In 2025, Kenneth qualified for the South African Championships for the first time, achieving a personal best of 2.00m. Although he did not reach the podium in Bloemfontein, the experience became a turning point, fueling his determination to return stronger.

His breakthrough came in January 2026, when he cleared 2.10m at a school competition. While consistency at that height initially proved challenging, Kenneth maintained dominance in competition, securing gold medals leading up to regional events.

In February 2026, Kenneth faced a significant setback, sustaining a Grade 2 hip flexor tear—an injury that threatened to derail his progress. Demonstrating resilience and discipline, he committed fully to his rehabilitation, guided by a dedicated support team and under the care of coach Johnathan Greyvenstein (www.johnathangreyventsein.org.za. Through structured recovery, professional guidance, and unwavering perseverance, Kenneth made a remarkable comeback.

Under Coach Greyvenstein’s mentorship, his first experience working with a professional coach, Kenneth progressed from injury and crutches to achieving a remarkable 2.20m. This performance not only earned him a gold medal, but also secured a new school record and positioned him as the world leader in the U18 high jump category at the time.

Kenneth’s journey reflects a combination of talent, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to excellence—qualities that continue to define his path in South African athletics.