Global athletics fans witnessed history at the Diamond League meet in Eugene on Saturday as Kenya's Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon both rewrote the record books.
Double Olympic champion Chebet, already holding the 10,000m world record, powered through the women's 5,000m in 13 minutes 58.06 seconds. She became the first woman ever to break the 14-minute barrier, slicing 2.15 seconds off the previous mark set by Gudaf Tsegay.
Chebet ran flawlessly with Ethiopian Tsegay and Kenyan Agnes Jebet Ngetich until the final lap, when she surged ahead to cross the line alone. Ngetich claimed second in 14:01.29, while Tsegay took third in 14:04.41.
"I'm so happy to become the first woman to run under 14 minutes," Chebet said. "After Rome, I knew I was capable of a world record. If Faith is aiming for a record in Eugene, why not me?"
Earlier in the evening, fellow Kenyan Faith Kipyegon smashed the women's 1,500m world record, adding another chapter to her storied career in middle-distance running.
These landmark performances underscore Kenya's enduring dominance in distance events and set a thrilling tone for the rest of the Diamond League season.
Reference(s):
Chebet, Kipyegon break world records at Diamond League in Eugene
cgtn.com
