World champions Yaroslava Mahuchikh and Faith Kipyegon shattered world records within an hour of each other at the Meeting de Paris, part of the Wanda Diamond League, on Sunday (7th).
Mahuchikh Soars to New Heights
Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh broke one of the longest-standing world records by clearing 2.10m in the high jump. This remarkable achievement surpassed Stefka Kostadinova’s 1987 record. Mahuchikh triumphed over world indoor champion Nicola Olyslagers, who matched her at 2.01m but failed at 2.03m, while Mahuchikh cleared it on her second attempt. She continued her outstanding performance by clearing 2.07m and then 2.10m on her first try, setting a new Ukrainian record.
“Coming into this competition, I felt I could jump 2.07m and maybe 2.10m,” Mahuchikh said. “Finally, I signed Ukraine into the history of world athletics.”
Kipyegon Shatters Her Own Record
Less than an hour after Mahuchikh’s iconic leap, Faith Kipyegon made history on the track by breaking her own world record in the 1500m. Returning to the same venue where she set a record in the 5000m last year, Kipyegon clocked 3:49.04, besting her previous record by 0.07 seconds. In a highly competitive race, Australia’s Jess Hull finished second in 3:50.83, setting a new Oceanian record, while Laura Muir took third with a British record of 3:53.79. For the first time ever, 12 women finished the 1500m in under four minutes.
“I knew the world record was possible because I recently ran very fast in Kenya,” Kipyegon said, reflecting on her recent 3:53.98 performance at Kenya’s Olympic Trials. “I came here to run my race and to see what shape I’m in to defend my title at the Olympics.”
Sedjati Leads Historic 800m
In the men’s 800m, Djamel Sedjati led three men under 1:42, winning in a world-leading national record of 1:41.56. Emmanuel Wanyonyi finished a close second in 1:41.58, and Gabriel Tual took third in a French record of 1:41.61. It was the first time in history that three men have broken 1:42 in the same race.
“I’m satisfied with my race and confident about my preparations for the Olympic Games in Paris,” Sedjati remarked, coming within 0.02 seconds of David Rudisha’s meeting record from 2012.
Duplantis Just Misses World Record
In the men’s pole vault, Mondo Duplantis came close to breaking his own world record of 6.25m. He won the competition at 6.00m and attempted 6.25m but fell just short on his third try.
World steeplechase champion Winfred Yavi won the women’s steeplechase in 9:03.68, while Marileidy Paulino came close to breaking her own meeting record in the women’s 400m, finishing in a season’s best of 49.20.
Olympic champion Valarie Allman extended her winning streak in the discus, achieving a final-round effort of 68.07m. Julian Weber won the men’s javelin with 85.91m, and Italy’s Larissa Iapichino claimed the women’s long jump with 6.82m.
Ethiopia’s Abrham Sime narrowly won the steeplechase, while Sasha Zhoya triumphed in the men’s 110m hurdles with a personal best of 13.15 seconds. In the men’s 400m hurdles, Alison dos Santos secured victory with a time of 47.78 seconds.
Jacob Krop clocked a world-leading 7:28.83 in the men’s 3000m, Alexander Ogando won the men’s 200m in 19.98 seconds, and Patrizia van der Weken took the women’s 100m in 11.06 seconds.
