Wildschutt greets new athletics season with another record

JOHANNESBURG – South African athlete Adriaan Wildschutt has ushered in the new season with another record. The athlete broke the South African national short track record (12:56.76) in the 5,000m event at the Boston University John Thomas Terrier Classic.

“I am happy that I was able to break another record. It’s very humbling and I am constantly grateful for everything I can achieve. Breaking records excited me and motivates me further,” said Wildschutt to Eyewitness News.

Wildschutt was also named the ASA (Athletics South Africa) Male Athlete of the Year for his spectacular 2023 season, breaking SA records in the 3,000m, 5,000m and 10,000m events.

“I am just very excited for this year. I hope to stay healthy so that I can keep on building on what I have already achieved. Consistency is very important for me. I just want to be ready at the moments that matter most, like the Olympics then I know anything is possible. I want to break more records for now, but I want to perform really well at the upcoming Olympics later this year,” said Wildschutt.

The United States-based athlete said it’s important to work hard in all facets of one’s life to achieve your goals.

“Work hard in all facets of your life, whether that is personally, academically or athletically. It’s important that you have a great balance. Discipline is also a main ingredient that made me who I am today. Go after your dreams at 100 miles an hour and don’t look back.”

READ MORE:

• Be consistent in what you do’: SA runner Wildschutt ahead of World Champs
• Hard work paying off for SA 10,000m record holder Adrian Wildschutt
• Adrian Wildschutt seals World Champs & Olympic spot with new SA 5,000m record

The athlete holds an MBA (Masters in Business) from Florida State University and says his older brother got him into athletics when he was in grade 10.

“He was the one that always competed in cross-country and track. One day I was bored at home, done with my schoolwork, and didn’t know what to do. I decided to go with him to training, and it was very hard but exciting at the same time. I have never looked back since.”

The athlete born in Ceres, in the Western Cape, soon followed his brother Nadeel to Coastal Carolina University, where they're coached by fellow South African, Zola (Budd) Pieterse.

“My brother was recruited by Zola Budd, who at the time was the head cross-country coach at Coastal Carolina University. Six months later, I was recruited as well by Zola Budd and joined my brother and three years later I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Business from the aforementioned university.”