The America-based runner delivered a standout performance, finishing 10th with a time of 26:60:64 seconds in one of the fastest races in Olympic history.

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei won a new Olympic record of 26:43:14, while Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi took second with 26:43:44, and American Grant Fisher finished third in 26:43:46.

Wildschutt was immensely proud of his achievement following the race.

"I thought I ran pretty smart, I placed myself in a really good position throughout the race and stayed out of trouble for most of the race and I was trying to conserve as much energy as possible because I knew it's gonna come down to the last 800, 600 and even the last 300," Wildschutt said.

"I didn't expect this fast of a race but I was well prepared, my endurance was good and I knew I worked well on my speed and I thought I did well. I came away with another national record, my second under 27, second time running under 27.

“Placing top 10 in this company I thought it was pretty amazing and I just wanna thank everybody that came out to support me. My girlfriend, my mum, Mrs Farro and Mrs Williams, they came out here to support me, all the way. My home town Ceres and I just wanna thank everybody from Ceres for the amazing support."

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Although Wildschutt qualified for both the 10 000m and 5000m finals, he chose to compete only in the 10 000 event to avoid overexertion.

Earlier this year, he recorded a time of 26:55:54 in the 10 000m in the U.S and improved upon that performance in Paris.

"I am only doing the 10km, we have planned on doing another few Diamond Leagues and try and qualify for the Diamond League final. We thought it was gonna be a lot of races trying to double back from the 10kms, so I just wanted to really put my focus on the 10km and do my best and try to focus on this specific event. I thought I ran really well and I'm really grateful."

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