
Meseret Defar breaks the world record in the 5,000m.
Though the Reebok Grand Prix meet in New York City was televised live on ESPN2, the network had already switched over the French Open coverage when the most exciting race of the night took place. Paced by Iryna Vashchuk and Christin Wurth-Thomas, Meseret Defar ran to a new 5,000 meter world record of 14:24.53, shaving .15 off of Elvan Abeylegesse's 2004 mark.
Vashchuk led through the kilometer in 2:52 before dropping out, and Wurth-Thomas led Defar through 2k in 5:47. After that, Defar was on her own. Though she was behind record pace for most of the race, a 61.5-second final lap brought the record back within reach for the 23 year old from Ethiopia.
Upon realizing she had set the record, Defar first dropped to the track and flailed in excitement, then she rose and pumped her fist for the crowd. As she ran around post-race, hugged her agent, and posed for photos, she seemed to have plenty of energy to spare.
Posted by Alison Wade at 8:34 p.m. | Tags: Race Reports
nardos tefera from jimma university commented, on October 26, 2007 at 3:07 a.m.:
keep it up!!! I wish to you all the nice in the new ethiopian millenium!!!