Gudaf Tsegay delivers a race for the history books
By Symone Goss - WorldTrack
EUGENE, Oregon – Ethiopian long-distance star Gudaf Tsegay set a new world record in the women’s 5000m, clocking an astonishing 14:00.21 at the Eugene Diamond League Final on Sunday.
The 26-year-old athlete eclipsed the previous record by nearly five seconds, while just missed becoming the first woman to break the 14-minute barrier in the event.
Gudaf Tsegay’s performance was the second senior world record of her career, following her 2021 world indoor 1500m record. The world 10,000m champion followed the fast pace early on, guided by American pacemakers Elise Cranny and Sinclaire Johnson, who took the field through the first 1000m in 2:48.08 and 2000m in 5:37.24.
Tsegay’s Ethiopian compatriot, Birke Haylom, who ultimately did not finish the race, led the pack past the 3000m mark in 8:26.03, maintaining a world record pace.
Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet was the only athlete who could keep up with Tsegay, but even she was left behind as Tsegay accelerated with two laps to go.
Chebet eventually finished in a distant second place but was rewarded with a new personal best of 14:05.92, making it the third-fastest performance of all time in the women’s 5000m.
The final stretch and a year of unbeaten runs
As Tsegay approached the final lap, the crowd rose to their feet, roaring in anticipation. She crossed the 4000m mark at 11:16.89 and reached the bell lap around 12:55.
Although she narrowly missed becoming the first woman to break the 14-minute barrier, her finish at 14:00.21 was met with a standing ovation.
Tsegay has been on an undefeated winning streak this year, claiming all previous eight finals, and today she added this world record to her list of accomplishments, including the 10,000m title at the Budapest World Athletics Championships last month.
Her previous personal best in the 5000m was 14:12.29, set in London in July.
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