2023 Diamond League finals: Gudaf Tsegay shatters 5000m World Record

Ethiopian star Gudaf Tsegay is the new 5000m world record holder. World Athletics

ATHLETICS 2023 Diamond League finals: Gudaf Tsegay shatters 5000m World Record

Moses King 07:46 - 18.09.2023

Ethiopian star Gudaf Tsegay has rewritten the 5000m World Record at the Eugene Diamond League final on August 17.

The newly crowned 10000m world champion destroyed Kenya's Faith Kipyegon record by five seconds as she clocked a breathtaking 14:00.21.

Kipyegon only set the record in June at the Paris Diamond League meeting, where she 14:05:21, beating Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia, whose history was 14:06.62.

In Eugene, Tsegay came close to breaking the 14-minute barrier in the distance in a fantastic race.

"My primary aim today was the world record," Tsegay admitted to World Athletics before adding.

"I had an intense desire to compete in the 5000m, especially after missing out at the World Championships in Budapest due to an injury in my foot."

2023 Diamond League finals: Gudaf Tsegay shatters 5000m World Record
Gudaf Tsegay has shattered the 5000m World Record. World Athletics

"However, my mental strength has always been my backbone. Today fills me with immense joy,” she added.

When asked about whether she will aim to break the 14 minutes barrier, she replied: "Yes, I will definitely try."

Kenya's Chebet Beatrice finished in second place posting 14:05.92 while Ethiopian Taye Ejgayehu settled for 14:21.52.

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