Hard on the heels of her national indoor 3000-metre record, South Africa’s Dominique Scott has raced to a second record in the space of two weeks, writes MARK ETHERIDGE.

This time it was in the women’s mile at the Millrose Games in New York, United States.

The Rio Olympian (10,000m) placed fifth in a time of 4min 28.47sec as Dutch runner Sifan Hassan won in a meeting record 4:19.89. The former Capetonian, now based in the US after completing her college studies, was three seconds quicker than her previous mark of 4:31.57 run a year ago, also in the States.

Scott’s result will be most encouraging in her burgeoning professional track career.

The bubbly blonde reflected on her weekend run to the SASCOC website. ‘It was an honour to be invited to compete in the prestigious Wanamaker Mile, the highlight event of the Millrose Games at the Armory in New York.

‘I must that that being more of a 5000m/10000m athlete it was a little intimidating to step down to a shorter and quicker event competing against athletes who specialise in that distance.

‘I made it my goal “to compete”. I didn’t want to focus on the clock but rather just compete. Having only one other race under my belt this season and not much speed work I knew I’m not sharp yet, but I’m stronger than I’ve ever been before. I focused on using my strength to get me through the race.’

To that end she’s happy with her race. ‘I came away with a three-second PR, running 4:28.47 but more importantly I felt that I competed and held my ground against many talented milers.

The weekend race puts a wrap on Scott’s indoor season. ‘Unfortunately that’s now come to an end and I’ll go into a training block before racing one or two road races as a tune up for the outdoor season.

‘After running to PR’s in two races this indoor season I’m very excited to see what the outdoor season has in store.’