Sabelo Dhlamini has become the first South African athlete to set an official national best in the 300m hurdles event.
Competing at the Maribor International Athletics Meeting in Slovenia on Tuesday, Dhlamini won the men's 300m hurdles race in 34.34 seconds.
His performance is the fastest time by a South African, and the seventh fastest in the world, since the 300m hurdles was recognised by World Athletics as an official track event in March.
Though comprehensive statistics are not available for previous seasons, it is believed the fastest time run by a South African before March this year was a hand-timed performance of 34.80 clocked by Ockert Cilliers in Germany in May 2005.
Dhlamini's time will be recognised as a South African best, but official records will not be confirmed in the 300m hurdles until World Athletics confirms that enough races have been held to ensure the event has 'reached a meaningful level'.
“Sabelo’s historic performance in Slovenia is a testament to the talent and dedication of South African athletes. Setting the national best not only raises the bar for our sport but also inspires the next generation of track and field athletes to aim higher and dream big.
"Sabelo’s performance, therefore, highlights the potential that exists within our ranks, and Athletics South Africa remains committed to supporting our athletes every step of the way.”