Maxime Chaumeton targets South African 5km record

Speaking to SABC Sport, Chaumeton, who has French roots, said that surpassing his record would be an achievement worth boasting about, especially after recently claiming the national 5000m title. 

He plans to compete in Europe in pursuit of this goal and is confident that he can go even faster and etch his name into the history books.

Backed by self-belief and determination, Chaumeton is fully focused on his record-breaking mission.

"It's going to be a 5km road race, and I have a few secrets that I can't disclose just yet. I can just say that my target is to run a new national record," said Chaumeton. 

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The national 5km record holder remains humble about his achievement and is eager to learn from seasoned athletes like Stephen Mokoka and other running legends, drawing inspiration from their experience to stay motivated for every race.

"Everything is compacted right now in South Africa. We want to make sure that we can extend our European season and follow in the footsteps of the greats that came before me.

"We need a revival of intensity or 'gees' in this sport, and that's what I'm here for," proclaimed Chaumeton.

The two-time national 1500m champion has set his sights on qualifying for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later this year, but this time in the 5000m event. 

To secure his place in Japan, he must clock a time of 13:01.00.

"I'm not moving to the 10,000 m event just yet because I've always believed that the event is a marathon on the track. 5km on the track is how we are going to qualify for Tokyo," explained the track star.

Chaumeton, who trains under legendary coach Hendrick Ramaala at Zoo Lake, admits he made a mess of his 1500m race at the national championships in Cape Town a few weeks ago, but says clinching the 5000m title more than made up for that setback.