Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda shattered the 5,000m world record at the Diamond League season opener in Doha, clocking an astonishing 12:35.36 to eclipse his own previous mark set at the Tokyo Olympics.
The 29-year-old ran a controlled but devastating race, moving to the front with two laps to go and pulling clear of the field with a devastating final 400 metres to finish more than ten seconds ahead of his nearest rival.
“I knew the conditions were perfect tonight,” said Cheptegei afterwards. “My training has been exceptional and I believed this record was possible. I am humbled and grateful to God.”
The crowd of 35,000 inside the Khalifa International Stadium rose to their feet as Cheptegei crossed the finish line, fully aware they had witnessed athletics history.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe called it “a performance that transcends sport,” and confirmed the record had been ratified pending standard anti-doping procedures. Cheptegei is now the favourite for the World Athletics Championships later this year.
