Almaz Ayana’s 10,000 Metres World Record Smashed

LONDON – Ethiopian-born Dutch long-distance runner Sifan Hassan broke the women’s 10,000 metres world record on Sunday, clocking 29 minutes 6.82 seconds in a Continental Tour meeting on home soil in Hengelo, World Athletics said.

Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana held the previous record of 29:17.45, set at the 2016 Rio Olympics, but Hassan shaved more than 10 seconds off that mark.

“Wow, to run this world record here today in Hengelo is something I could only dream of,” Sifan said.
“It’s the perfect confirmation of the hard work we’ve put in getting ready for Tokyo. I am so happy to share this record in front of my Dutch fans.”

Sifan is the reigning world champion having won gold in Doha in 2019 and the 28-year-old set down a marker before next month’s Tokyo Games, blowing away the competition and sprinting solo across the line with her arms outstretched in celebration.

– Agencies

[Featured Photo VINCENT JANNINK/AFP]