South Africa’s distance running sensation, Adriaan Wildschutt, made his return to Paris on Friday night — the city where he made his Olympic debut last year — with high hopes of using the Diamond League stage to sharpen his form ahead of the World Championships in September.
But the 27-year-old’s plans nearly came undone before they even began. On the morning of the race, Wildschutt woke up feeling “very sick” and considered pulling out. Despite not being at full strength, he chose to compete but finished 14th in the men’s 5 000m in a time of 13:28.67 — well off his personal best of 12:55.02 set in March. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha took top honours in a blistering 12:47.84.
Reflecting on the decision to run despite his illness, Wildschutt admitted on social media: “I didn’t want to give up before I even tried. It turns out, not the best decision on my end. But we learn and move on. Trust me when I say, we will be back way better and stronger.”
A Relentless Pursuit of Greatness
Wildschutt’s name has become synonymous with record-breaking performances. Since early 2023, the Florida State University MBA graduate has rewritten the South African record books in the 3 000m, 5 000m, and 10 000m — a combined seven times.
His breakthrough moment came at the 2023 Olympics, where he raced in the fastest 10 000m final in Olympic history. Finishing 10th in a staggering 26:50.64, he was one of 13 athletes who shattered the previous Olympic record.
Now, with his sights set firmly on the World Championships in Tokyo, Wildschutt is approaching his training with a transformed mindset. “I’ve felt a mental shift since the Olympics,” he said. “I’m no longer just trying to compete. I’m preparing to win medals. That’s my focus.”
Time Over Titles
For Wildschutt, the stopwatch means more than the podium. “Winning is great, but I always focus on my time. Every race is different — conditions, competitors — so I stay locked in on performance. That’s how I measure progress.”
This methodical approach continues to drive his evolution as an elite athlete, with each personal best now doubling as a national record. His dedication to constant improvement is what keeps him firmly in the conversation among the world’s best.
A Road Ahead — Literally
After Tokyo, Wildschutt plans to test himself over longer distances. He’s already committed to his first half marathon in Valencia this October and aims to include at least one road race annually as he transitions from the track to the streets. His long-term plan? A full shift to road racing by 2032 — with the 2028 Olympics marking his final appearance on the track.
Balancing Act Between Present and Future
Based in Arizona, USA, Wildschutt juggles his training with entrepreneurial ventures. He’s currently writing his autobiography, managing an Airbnb in Stellenbosch, and running a business with three partners in the U.S.
The packed schedule doesn’t distract him — it motivates him. “The balance helps,” he says. “It keeps me grounded and reminds me that there’s life beyond athletics.”
But for now, the mission is clear: peak for the World Championships, then begin laying the groundwork for a transition to road racing. With the Commonwealth Games in 2026 and the LA Olympics in 2028 also on his radar, Wildschutt is on a relentless journey — driven by discipline, belief, and a hunger to break even more barriers.
