Middle-distance runner Tshepo Tshite opened his 2026 season in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night, breaking the South African 3000m short track record at the Czech Indoor Gala in Ostrava.
Tshite took second place in the 15-lap race in 7:38.17, eclipsing the national record of 7:39.55 set by Elroy Gelant in Belgium in February 2014.
He finished just 0.12 behind Portuguese athlete Isaac Nader who won the race in 7:38.05.
The 29-year-old South African now holds four national records, having already set SA marks in the 1500m indoor (3:35.06) and 1500m outdoor (3:31.35) events, as well as the indoor mile (3:54.10).
World indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso, the only other South African competing at the Czech Indoor Gala, finished seventh in the women's 800m contest in 2:04.26. Nigist Getachew of Ethiopia secured victory in 1:59.98.
"Congratulations to Tshepo, his coaches and support team! Its a great start for him so early in the season," said acting president, John Mathane.