In a stunning display of athleticism, Ethiopian runner Gudaf Tsegay shattered the women’s 5,000-meter world record previously held by Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon. Tsegay clinched victory in the race, completing the 5,000 meters in a remarkable 14 minutes and 0.21 seconds, securing her place as the new record holder, surpassing Kipyegon’s previous record established during the Eugene Diamond League final in June.
Adding to Ethiopia’s impressive performance, Ejgayehu Taye secured third place with a time of 14 minutes and 21.52 seconds, while Kenyan athlete Beatrice Chebet claimed second place with a time of 14 minutes and 5.92 seconds.
Tsegay’s focus throughout the race was squarely on breaking the world record, and she accomplished this incredible feat with determination and grit. Following her historic win, she expressed her hunger for further achievements, stating, “My focus today was the world record,” and she revealed her ambition to complete the 5,000-meter run in under 14 minutes. Her drive and dedication to her craft were evident in her outstanding performance on the track.
Right from the start, Tsegay set a blistering pace, with assistance from Chebet, which quickly set them apart from the rest of the competitors. As they distanced themselves from the pursuing pack of runners, it was clear that they were on a record-breaking trajectory.
With approximately 800 meters remaining, Tsegay surged ahead, leaving Chebet, a third-place finisher in the distance at the Budapest World Championships, behind. She faced the daunting challenge of battling not only her competitors but also the ticking clock as she pushed herself to reach the finish line.
In the final stretch, with determination etched on her face, Tsegay continued to accelerate, leaving the rest of the field far behind. The crowd at the Hayward Field erupted in cheers as she crossed the finish line, celebrating her remarkable achievement with a composed victory gesture.
Notably, Tsegay’s astounding performance eclipsed Kipyegon’s previous record, which had been set during the Paris Diamond League, by a margin of approximately five seconds. The Ethiopian athlete’s incredible accomplishment has left the athletics world in awe of her talent and dedication to her sport.
