By Anica Hattingh
On 15 October, two of South Africa’s athletes were inducted into the South African Hall of Fame during the 15th official Dagbreek Straatmyl, in honour of their success in athletics. One thing these two athletes have in common is that both of them achieved great success in completing a dream mile.
A dream mile refers to running one mile (approximately 1 609 metres) in under four minutes – an internationally recognised achievement that requires immense dedication, technique and endurance. A street mile, on the other hand, is a race over the same distance but run on roads or streets rather than on a track. This type of race brings athletics out of the stadium and into public spaces, creating a unique atmosphere where spectators can cheer on participants up close.
On 13 November 1964, De Villiers Lamprecht became the first South African athlete ever to complete a dream mile on the African continent. Lamprecht is also the only athlete to have achieved this feat barefoot. In addition to this incredible achievement, he also broke 15 other South African records over various distances.
The other athlete, Johan Fourie, boasts an impressive record of 53 dream miles – the most completed by any South African athlete. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Fourie held the South African record for the dream mile for 27 years. On 9 February 1984, at Coetzenburg, he completed two dream miles within one hour – a feat that has not been equalled by another South African athlete since.
The induction of these two athletes during the Dagbreek Straatmyl was a special moment, as Lamprecht is a Dagbreek alumnus and Fourie won the first street mile ever held in South Africa, on 27 December 1982 in Port Elizabeth.
To make the occasion even more special, Lamprecht’s grandson, also named De Villiers, travelled all the way from Bloemfontein to take part in his first Dagbreek Straatmyl this year. The young De Villiers, a student at Grey College, competed in the u. 19 boys’ category. He already boasts several athletic achievements, like his grandfather. During the Group 5 Championships in Namibia, he won gold in both the 800 m and 1500 m events. In September, he also finished third in the boys’ youth division over 2 km at the Athletics South Africa Cross Country Championships.
The induction was therefore not only a celebration of outstanding sporting achievement, but also a reminder of a legacy that continues through generations. Through figures like Lamprecht and Fourie, young athletes are reminded that hard work, determination, and passion for the sport can serve as lasting inspiration – and that every mile, whether on the track or in the street, forms part of a greater dream.
