James Preston in the 800m final at the Potts Classic in Hastings in January. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Wellington's James Preston has broken Sir Peter Snell's 62-year-old 800m national record at a meet in Pfungstadt, Germany.
The 27-year-old middle-distance runner crossed the finish line in a time of 1:44:04 - which not only got him into the record books but also attained the Olympic qualifying standard.
Snell set his time of 1:44:3 in 1962 in Christchurch.
New Zealand middle-distance runner Peter Snell in action. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Preston went below the 1:45 mark for the first time in March this year.
In Germany, Preston was followed across the line by New Zealand's Brad Mathas who finished second in a time of 1:45:80.