Maxime Chaumeton became the first South African to run under 27 minutes, and in so doing he carved 33 seconds off Adrian Wildschutt’s existing national record when he finished second in the tRUNsylvania International 10K in Brașov, Romania.
The 23-year-old crossed the line in second place, in 26:55, eclipsing Olympian Wildschutt’s previous South African record of 27:28, set in Gqeberha earlier this year.
Breaking the 27-minute barrier is a milestone reserved for the sport’s very best, and Chaumeton achievement is likely to reverberate through the athletics community.
“I knew I was in good shape, but to run under 27 minutes. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of,” said Chaumeton at the finish.
“To be part of South African running history is an incredible feeling.”
Wildschutt, who has been a trailblazer for South African distance running in recent seasons, graciously acknowledged the record-breaking performance.
“Records are meant to be broken, and Maxime has raised the bar. It’s fantastic to see South African athletes pushing each other to world-class levels,” he said.
Chaumeton’s breakthrough adds fresh fire to an already exciting rivalry between him and Wildschutt, with both athletes driving South African distance running into unprecedented territory.
Reporting by Adnaan Mohamed/Modern Athlete
