Jessica Hull demonstrated extraordinary prowess as she set a new world record in the women’s 2,000m at the Diamond League meeting, clocking in at 5:19.70.
This stunning performance positions her as a formidable contender for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Hull’s record-breaking run eclipsed the previous mark of 5:21.56, set by Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi in September 2021.
Staying close to the pacemakers through the first 1,000m, which they completed in 2:39.88, Hull maintained her focus and kept pace with the trackside lights indicating world-record timing, as reported by Xinhua.
When the final pacemaker, Heather MacLean of the United States, stepped aside, it was Hull against the clock.
With an electrifying burst of speed on the last bend, Hull surged ahead of the lights and crossed the finish line in 5:19.70, slicing nearly two seconds off the previous world record.
“It was an incredible feeling. The support from the crowd on the last lap was amazing,” Hull shared. “I kept my eyes on the lights, willing them not to overtake me.”
Hull acknowledged the competition, saying, “There are definitely others who can achieve a 5:19, but for now, I have my place in the history books. This record is the result of intense dedication and hard work.”
In other events, Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati made headlines by setting a new Diamond League record in the men’s 800m with a time of 1:41.46, making him the third-fastest 800m runner in history.
Norwegian runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen also achieved a remarkable feat, improving his European record in the men’s 1,500m from 3:27.14 to 3:26.73.
These outstanding performances underscore the high level of competition and excitement leading up to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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