15/06/2026
🤯🏃♂️ FROM DATA SCIENTIST TO RECORD BREAKER, MEET GEORGE KUSCHE! 📊➡️🏆
Talk about an unexpected champion! George Kusche, the 27 year old who just smashed an 18 year old Comrades record, has one of the most fascinating backstories in South African sport. 🇿🇦
Born and raised in Malalane, Mpumalanga, young George represented the Mpumalanga U12 rugby team before focusing on athletics, even qualifying for the Junior World Championships in the 800m 🏉➡️🏃
After school he headed to the United States, completing a degree in Actuarial Science at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Today he's a working data scientist, juggling a demanding career with world class running 💻
Once a sub four minute miler, George transitioned from pure speed to ultra distance, an incredible shift in disciplines. Last year, in his Comrades debut, he finished 12th despite battling a stomach upset.
This year, in his very first Up Run, he overcame illness again, took the lead with just 10km to go, and obliterated the 18 year old record in 5:15:56🔥
From the rugby fields of Malalane to Comrades immortality. What an incredible journey! 👏💬