Record smashing day for Kenyan Kipyegan; NZer Beamish

Faith Kipyegon
Photo: Photosport

Kenyan running sensation Faith Kipyegon shattered the women’s mile world record by almost five seconds at the Monaco Diamond League on Friday.

On a day when New Zealand athlete Geordie Beamish broke a 39-year-old national 3000m steeplechase record, the limelight fell on 29-year-old Kipyegon, who completed the mile in four minutes, 7.64 seconds.

It smashed Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan’s 2019 mark of 4:12.33, which was also set on the fast track in Monaco.

“I have done good training so far and I just came for it,” said Kipyegon, who took the lead with two laps to run.

“The time – yes, it was really good because the race was well planned. It just went smoothly and to accomplish the world record – that is amazing.”

Kipyegon, who was embraced by her fellow competitors after the race, has now broken three world records in just two months, including the 1500m and 5000m.

“I do not know how I am doing this because it just keeps going really in a good way,” the Kenyan added.

“When I started this season, my goal was to just break the 1500m world record. It was still in my head and in my mind. Thank God I did also the one mile and the 5000m. So many.

Meanwhile, Beamish finished fifth in the men’s 3000m steeplechase to lower a New Zealand record that has stood since 1984.

Geordie Beamish
Photo: Photosport

His time of 8min 13.26sec was 0.79sec quicker than Peter Renner’s long-standing mark and was nearly 5sec quicker than his own former personal best.

Twenty-six-year-old Beamish already held the national 3000m record and national 5000m indoor record.

His race in Monaco was comfortably won by Kenyan Simon Kiprop Koech.

– Reuters/RNZ