Phethisang Makhethe produced the best performance of her career at the weekend, breaking the South African women's hammer throw record.
Competing for the University of Illinois at the Big Ten Championships in Eugene, Oregon in USA on Friday, Makhethe earned the silver medal after launching a massive 68.66m heave with her sixth and final attempt.
She was narrowly edged out by American athlete Anthonett Nabwe who won gold with a best throw of 69.85m, setting a new meeting record. Makhethe, a former silver medallist at the African Youth Games, added 71 centimetres to the SA record of 67.95m set by Leandri Holtzhausen in Tokyo in March.
The 22-year-old athlete improved her personal best by nearly two metres, having set her previous career best of 66.80m in Illinois earlier this month.
"Well done Phethisang for this major achievement. Also congratulations to the coach and support staff. We are very glad to recognise her progression, especially in one of the most difficult field events," said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa.