San Juan Capistrano, California – The TEN Athletics Meet witnessed a spectacular display of talent as Tsigie Gebreselama and Grant Fisher claimed victory in the women’s and men’s 10,000m races, rewriting records and setting new standards on Saturday (16).
Gebreselama, representing Ethiopia, etched her name in history by smashing the US all-comers’ record in the women’s 10,000m, clocking an extraordinary time of 29:48.34. This remarkable achievement not only secured her the top spot but also propelled her to ninth place on the global all-time list. Fresh off her triumph at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon with a personal best of 1:05:14, the 23-year-old showcased her versatility by conquering the track and becoming the first woman to break the 30-minute barrier on US soil.
In the men’s race, Grant Fisher, the North American record-holder, stamped his authority with a dominant performance, clinching victory in 26:52.04. His surge in the final stages of the race left spectators in awe, setting the stage for an exhilarating finish. Fisher’s US compatriot, 21-year-old Nico Young, followed closely behind, setting a US collegiate record with a time of 26:52.72.
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Both races witnessed a fierce battle for Olympic qualification, with eight men and four women achieving the respective qualifying marks. Weini Kelati of the USA spearheaded the charge in the women’s race, securing a personal best of 30:33.82 to claim second place. Lauren Ryan of Australia and Megan Keith of Britain also delivered standout performances, setting records and making impressive debuts in the 10,000m event.
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In the men’s race, the depth of talent was evident as several athletes crossed the finish line under the Olympic entry standard. Andreas Almgren of Sweden secured third place with a national record of 26:52.87, while Mohammed Ahmed of Canada and Habtom Samuel of Eritrea showcased their skills, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
Adriaan Wildschutt of South Africa, Woody Kincaid of the USA, and Edwin Kurgat of Kenya rounded up the top eight with remarkable personal bests, underscoring the international flavor of the competition and the caliber of athletes assembled at The TEN.
The event not only showcased exceptional performances but also highlighted the determination and resilience of athletes striving for excellence on the global stage. With their sights set on Paris and beyond, these record-breaking feats serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of athletics and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
