Adriaan Wildschutt confident about his medal chances at the World Championships

The 26-year-old, who turns 27 next month, clocked a national record of 26:50.64 to place tenth in the men’s 10,000m final at the Paris Olympics last year - a race that went down as the fastest Olympic 10,000m in history, with Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei setting a new Olympic record of 26:43.14 to claim gold.

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That impressive performance at his debut Games has reignited Wildschutt’s belief and sharpened his confidence as he prepares for the global stage this September.

''It's obviously very hard. I have a few Diamond Leagues in the European summer, which is our winter. I never count myself out. I didn't have to do the 10km recently but I want to get used to running the 26,50. So I am training hard and want to run faster,'' said Wildschutt.

No South African athlete has ever claimed a podium finish in a global 10,000m event, and the Ceres-born runner believes it’s time for Athletics South Africa to prioritize development and invest in nurturing young talent to produce faster, more competitive middle-distance athletes.

The multiple national record holder, currently studying at the University of Florida in the US, lost his father a few years ago.

One of his greatest wishes was for him and his older brother, Nadeel Wildschutt - the South African 10,000m champion - to have the chance to race for their late father. Although that moment never came, he is determined to run in his honour at the World Championships in Tokyo.

''It was about two years ago, I was busy with my NBA, even brother was planning his wedding the same month. But I had a great relationship with my dad. I wish he was here to see all that we have accomplished academically and in sport,'' added Wildschutt.

The national 5000m record holder has revealed to SABC Sport that he will stay in South Africa until next week’s Athletics South Africa (ASA) Senior Track and Field Championships at Puk McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom, where he is set to compete in the 5000m event before heading back to the United States.

 Wildschutt is set to race in the Diamond League circuit across Europe as part of his build-up for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.

''Like to cover at least, then move onto the Diamond League, then prepare for the World Champs,'' he concluded.