In-form athlete Adriaan Wildschutt continued to shatter the ceiling of South African distance running, breaking his own national 10 000m record in California on Saturday.

Competing in the annual Ten contest, which forms part of the World Athletics Continental Tour, Wildschutt finished sixth in a fast race in 26:55.54, with American athlete Grant Fisher taking the win in 26:52.04 

WIldschutt, 25, became the first South African athlete to break the 27 minute barrier, taking more than 27 seconds off the national mark of 27:23.10 which he set in California in May last year.

In the process, he secured automatic qualification for the Olympic Games by achieving the required standard of 27:00.00.

Having set a national 5 000m short track record of 12:56.76 in Boston in January, Wildschutt has now booked his place in the 5 000m and 10 000m events at the Paris Games in August.

"He keeps going and his hunger seems to have no end. His drive we hope rub off other athletes seeking inspiration as they seek World placings. 

"Congratulations to Adriaan, his coach and all support stuff for a job well done," said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa. 

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About Athletics South Africa:
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