Warren Schmelzer of the Hartbeespoort Athletic Club was honoured in Oudtshoorn at the South African Masters Athletics Track & Field Championships awards evening recently, being named the South African Masters Male Athlete of the 2024/2025 Season.

Warren Schmelzer

Warren’s season has been nothing short of historic, highlighted by two world titles at the World Masters Outdoor Championships in Sweden in August 2024. Competing in the fiercely contested 70–74 age group, he claimed gold in both the 2000m steeplechase and the 800m, against a field featuring world and European record holders, and highly competitive athletes from around the globe.
In addition, Warren set a world-best all-time performance for a 69-year-old in the 2000m steeplechase (7:56.42) in Pretoria. Broke the long-standing South African M70 steeplechase record and set a new South African M70 800m record. He achieved the second-best all-time world performances in the M70 2000m steeplechase and 800m at the outdoor World Championships.
All achievements are verified by the World Masters Rankings.
Warren credits athletics for keeping him youthful and healthy. “It’s a wonderful way to stay fit, meet inspiring people, and see the world,” he says, as he continues to receive invitations to compete internationally.
The Hartbeespoort community celebrates his remarkable success as he continues to inspire athletes across South Africa and beyond.