Middle-distance runner Ryan Mphahlele opened his 2024 season with a remarkable indoor debut on Friday night, breaking the South African 1 500m short track record.

Competing at the Miramas Metropole meeting in France, Mphahlele showed his class against a quality line-up, winning the race in 3:36.57.

He held off a challenge from Italian athlete Federico Riva, who settled for second place in 3:36.74, with Ethiopian athlete Selemon Barega taking third position in 3:37.50.

Mphahlele took 0.29 seconds off the SA 1 500m short track record (3:36.96) which was set by former Olympic finalist Juan van Deventer in February 2010.

"Well done to Ryan for this achievement,' said James Moloi the President of Athletics South Africa. "We wish him well, with his coach and support staff that they maintain consistency and put better performances throughout the season."

* SA records are subject to standard ratification processes

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Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics  and the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg. 

ENDS