Sabelo Dhlamini sets a new national best in the 300m hurdles. Image source: Gallo Images.
(The Post News)– South Africa has a new name etched into the record books. Sabelo Dhlamini became the first athlete from the country to set an official national best in the men’s 300m hurdles.
Competing at the Maribor International Athletics Meeting in Slovenia on Tuesday, Dhlamini stormed to victory in 34.34 seconds. The performance places him seventh in the world rankings since the event was formally recognised by World Athletics in March this year.
While full historical records are incomplete, it is believed the previous fastest time by a South African was 34.80 seconds, run nearly two decades ago by Ockert Cilliers in Germany. That mark, however, was only hand-timed and never officially listed.
Though World Athletics is yet to confirm official records in the 300m hurdles, Dhlamini’s performance will stand as the recognised South African best for now.
Athletics South Africa praised the achievement, calling it proof of the incredible talent and dedication in local track and field. They also noted that trailblazing performances like this serve as inspiration for the next generation of athletes to dream bigger and push boundaries.
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