Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey broke the women’s 10,000m world record at Hengelo’s Fanny Blankers Koen Stadium, just two days after Sifan Hassan raced to a world leading time of 29:06.82 on the same track in the Netherlands.
Gidey improved Hassan’s mark by five seconds with 29:01.03 to win the Ethiopian Olympic Trials on Tuesday.
The world silver medallist, who last year set a world 5000m record of 14:06.62, was a runaway winner, finishing more than a minute ahead of Tsigie Gebreselama (30:06.01). Tsehay Gemechu was third in 30:19.29.
Hassan, an Ethiopian-born Dutch runner, had bettered the previous record held by Ethiopian Almaz Ayana by over 10 seconds on Sunday.
“I expected to run a world record,” said the 23-year-old Gidey, who becomes the first woman to hold both the 5000m and 10,000m world records since Ingrid Kristiansen of Norway did so from 1986-1993.
“I’d like to try to break the world record again and break 29 minutes.”
Gidey broke the 5,000m world record last October.
“What a special night, I am so proud that after the 5,000 metres world record I am now the 10,000 metres world record holder as well. In this Olympic year, it is the perfect preparation.”
In other races…
Elsewhere in Hengelo, Gudaf Tsegay produced the fifth-fastest time in history to win the women’s 5000m in 14:13.32. Steeplechase specialist Getnet Wale won the men’s event in 12:53.28.
Selemon Barega won a close men’s 10,000m from Yomif Kejelcha, 26:49.51 to 26:49.73.
Unheralded Werkwuha Getachew smashed through the two-minute barrier for the first time in her career to win the women’s 800m in a national record of 1:56.67, while Freweyni Hailu won the women’s 1500m in a world-leading 3:57.33.
Meet The Authors
Yomog Meje is a former Nigerian junior athlete and the Associate editor at Athletics Africa.
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