Strydom, who had been Fourie's long-term mentor, passed away from a heart attack last week on the same night that Fourie clocked a world-leading12.77 seconds at the Tshwane Grand Prix.

The 23-year-old has subsequently withdrawn from Team South Africa’s squad for the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, this weekend, to pay her last respects at Strydom’s funeral on Friday.

“It’s important that I be there. Yes, I dedicated this race to my coach, but I can’t take any more questions – this is too emotional for me. I think my coach is proud of me wherever he is," said Fourie after her race.

Fourie finished ahead of teenage hurdler Tumi Ramokgopa, a Grade 11 pupil at Prestige High School in Hammanskraal, who secured second place and set a new South African U20 record in 13.22 seconds.

Last year, national shot-put champion Kyle Blignaut faced a similar ordeal when he lost his coach of nine years, Pierre Blignaut, and dedicated his first victory to his late coach at the ASA Grand Prix series.

Now, Fourie faces the daunting task of navigating the national championships, World Athletics Championships, and the Diamond League without her mentor by her side.

READ: Bayanda Walaza surprised by double junior national record feat

SOUTH-AFRICAN-SPORTS-DEVELOPMENT

Wits building game-changing R250-million High Performance Centre

Editors Pick