Chepkoech Smashes World Record, Omanyala Triumphs in Zagreb

Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech achieved a remarkable feat at the Memorial Boris Hanžeković Continental Tour Gold meeting in Zagreb, Croatia, last night.

She shattered the women’s 2000m steeplechase world record, clocking an astonishing time of five minutes and 47.42 seconds.

This achievement eclipses the previous record of 5:52.80, set by Germany’s Gesa Krause in 2019.

Adding to Kenya’s dominance, another Kenyan athlete, Winnie Jemutai, secured the second position with a time of 5:52.92. Marusa Zrimsek of Slovakia claimed the third spot with a national record of 5:53.38.

Beatrice Chepkoech, at 32 years old, continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the steeplechase discipline.

She already holds the world record in the women’s 3000m steeplechase and recently clinched the silver medal at the World Championships in Budapest. Speaking about her remarkable achievement, Chepkoech said, “I had one world record, and now I have two, so I am lucky. It is all about staying focused and positive, and I thank God I was able to run well during the season.”

Chepkoech is gearing up for more competitions, including the Wanda Diamond League Final in Eugene this weekend.

Additionally, she is preparing for the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga on October 1, where she will compete in the mile event as part of the Kenyan team alongside Faith Kipyegon and Nelly Chepchirchir.

In other events at the meeting, Ferdinand Omanyala, Kenya’s sprint sensation, returned to winning ways by clocking an impressive 9.94 seconds in the men’s 100m.

He secured the top position, leaving Oblique Seville of Jamaica in second place with a time of 10.07 seconds. Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs of Italy took the third spot with a time of 10.08 seconds.