Paris, France – 20 June 2025
South African middle-distance runner Tshepo Tshite delivered a composed and noteworthy performance at the Paris Diamond League on Friday night, setting a new national 1500m record with a time of 3:31.35.
The 28-year-old, already the holder of South Africa’s indoor records in both the 1500m and the mile, improved on the longstanding outdoor mark of 3:31.93 set by Johan Cronje in 2013. Tshite’s run placed him ninth overall in a highly competitive field, but the result marked a significant personal milestone and a new benchmark in South African middle-distance athletics.
The race itself was among the fastest in recent seasons. France’s Azeddine Habz took the win in 3:27.49, the quickest time recorded globally this year, with five other athletes also finishing under the 3:30 barrier.
While Tshite didn’t feature at the front of the race, his time represents clear progress and underlines his consistency and continuous improvement in his time. The performance also adds an outdoor national title to his growing list of achievements, complementing his indoor bests of 3:35.06 (1500m) and 3:54.10 (mile).
Athletics South Africa (ASA) president James Moloi welcomed the result, noting its significance for both the athlete and the broader athletics community.
“A national record is always an important achievement, and we congratulate Tshite, his coach, and his team,” said Moloi.
“At the same time, we encourage all our athletes to continue improving their performances as we prepare for major international competitions, including the upcoming World Championships.”
Fellow South African Adriaan Wildschutt was also in action in Paris, finishing 14th in the men’s 5,000m with a time of 13:28.67. The race was won by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in a commanding 12:47.84.
The next leg of the Diamond League series takes place on 5 July in Eugene, Oregon, where South Africa’s top athletes will look to build on current form heading into the latter half of the season.
Tshite’s achievement in Paris may not have come with a podium finish, but it represents steady progress and reaffirms his position among South Africa’s leading middle-distance runners.
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