South African middle-distance star Tshepo Tshite has etched his name into the national athletics history books after breaking the 11-year-old South African 1,500m outdoor record at the prestigious Diamond League meeting in Paris on Friday night. Competing against a world-class field, Tshite finished ninth but clocked a blazing 3:31.35 — shattering the long-standing national record previously held by Johan Cronje.
The former record of 3:31.93 was set by Cronje, a World Championships bronze medallist, in Rieti, Italy, back in September 2013. Tshite’s performance now sets a new standard for South African middle-distance runners and highlights his rapid progression in the international circuit.
At 28 years old, Tshepo Tshite has steadily been building his reputation as one of South Africa’s premier middle-distance runners. Prior to this race, he already held national short-track records in both the 1,500m (3:35.06) and the mile (3:54.10). However, this marks the first time in his career that he has set a national outdoor record — a milestone that confirms his emergence as a major force in global athletics.
Tshepo Tshite Sets New National Outdoor Benchmark in Middle-Distance Running
All South African athletics records, including Tshite’s latest achievement, are subject to the standard ratification procedures set by Athletics South Africa (ASA). Still, there is little doubt that this performance will stand, given the official nature of the event and the verified timing system used in all Diamond League races.
Athletics South Africa president James Moloi was quick to extend congratulations, while also issuing a broader challenge to the nation’s athletes.
“As we congratulate Tshepo Tshite for achieving this incredible feat, we also want to encourage all South African athletes to continue improving their performances. A national record is a significant milestone — it sets a new benchmark, inspires upcoming athletes, and puts our country on the map,” Moloi said.
“Japan won’t be easy in September, so we must keep raising our standards. That said, nothing can take away from this achievement. We congratulate Tshite, his coach, and everyone involved in supporting his journey.”
The Paris leg of the Diamond League is known for fast times and high-level competition, and this year was no exception. Despite finishing ninth, Tshepo Tshite’s time of 3:31.35 placed him among the top performers globally and proves he can hold his own against the best in the world.
In a race filled with Olympic and World Championship contenders, Tshite remained composed, sticking with the pace and executing a well-timed finishing surge to dip well below the previous national record.
The race was also a significant confidence booster heading into the latter part of the season, particularly with the World Athletics Championships in Japan looming on the calendar. Tshite’s new personal best signals that he’s not just a domestic talent, but a genuine international competitor.
While Tshepo Tshite grabbed the headlines with his record-breaking run, fellow South African distance runner Adriaan Wildschutt also featured in Paris. Competing in the men’s 5,000m, Wildschutt finished 14th with a time of 13:28.67. Though not a podium finish, it provided valuable international experience in one of the most competitive events on the track.
Wildschutt, like Tshite, is part of a new generation of South African distance athletes aiming to leave their mark on the global stage.
The next leg of the 2025 Diamond League series will take place in Eugene, Oregon on July 5. While the entry lists are yet to be confirmed, fans and analysts alike are hopeful that Tshepo Tshite will be competing. Another strong performance in Eugene could solidify his spot as one of the top middle-distance runners to watch ahead of the World Championships.
As athletes across the globe continue their preparations for major championships, Tshite’s name is now firmly in the conversation — not just in South Africa, but worldwide.
South African runner Tshepo Tshite broke the national 1,500m record at the Diamond League in Paris with a time of 3:31.35. His milestone performance places him among the elite in world middle-distance running and sets a new benchmark for South African athletics.
Source- EWN