Kenyan athletes Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon made history on Saturday at the World Athletics Diamond League meet in Eugene, setting two new world records in the women’s 5000 meters and 1500 meters events.
Chebet Breaks 5000m Barrier
Beatrice Chebet became the first woman ever to run the 5000 meters in under 14 minutes, crossing the finish line in a staggering 13 minutes and 58.06 seconds. The 23-year-old shattered the previous world record held by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay by slicing 2.15 seconds off the time.
“I’m so happy to become the first woman to run under 14 minutes,” Chebet exclaimed after her historic run. “After Rome, I knew that I was capable of running a world record. I told myself, ‘If Faith is trying for a world record in Eugene, why not me too?'”
The race saw Chebet break away after 2000 meters alongside Tsegay and fellow Kenyan Agnes Jebet Ngetich. In a thrilling final lap, Chebet surged ahead, leaving Tsegay and Ngetich to battle for second place. Ngetich finished strong in 14:01.29, while Tsegay settled for third with a time of 14:04.41.
Kipyegon Smashes Her Own 1500m Record
Faith Kipyegon, a two-time Olympic champion, continued her dominance in the 1500 meters by breaking her own world record with a new time of 3 minutes and 48.68 seconds. The 29-year-old showcased her exceptional speed and endurance, pulling away from Australia’s Jessica Hull in the final lap.
Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji claimed second place with a personal best of 3:51.44, while Hull took third, finishing in 3:52.67.
Other Highlights from Eugene
In the women’s shot put, American Chase Ealey continued her impressive form, winning with a throw of 20.94 meters. Ealey, who recently set a national record, now holds the season’s top two marks. China’s Olympic champion Gong Lijiao finished eighth with a throw of 19.22 meters.
Meanwhile, in the men’s pole vault, Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis lived up to his world-record holder status by clearing 6.00 meters to secure victory.
