In a remarkable display of athleticism, Ethiopian runner Gudaf Tsegay shattered the women’s 5,000-meter world record previously held by Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon. The historic feat took place during the Eugene Diamond League final in Paris. Gudaf Tsegay, 26 years old, clocked an impressive time of 14 minutes, 00.21 seconds, surpassing the previous record by nearly five seconds and eclipsing her personal best by about 12 seconds.
Following her extraordinary achievement, Gudaf Tsegay expressed her unwavering determination to break the world record, stating, “My sole focus today is on breaking the world record.” Despite facing a setback in a recent 5,000-meter race where she finished 13th, Tsegay revealed her future aspirations of completing the race in under 14 minutes, fueled by an insatiable hunger for that accomplishment.
The Eugene Diamond League finale, traditionally part of the renowned Prefontaine Classic, served as the concluding event of the global Diamond League circuit this year. The meet, usually held in late May, saw 32 winners crowned over two days of intense competition, with each victor receiving a prize of $30,000. With the Olympics in Paris on the horizon, this event marked the final major international track and field meet before athletes begin their preparations for the prestigious games next summer.
