Norwegian sensation Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the reigning Olympic champion in the 1,500m, etched his name into the record books once again with a remarkable performance at the Diamond League meeting in Paris on Friday.
The 22-year-old prodigy shattered the world record for the rarely-run 2-mile event, clocking a jaw-dropping time of 7 minutes and 54.10 seconds.
Ingebrigtsen’s mesmerizing display surpassed the previous record of 7:58.61 set by Kenyan athlete Daniel Komen in July 1997.
This achievement makes Ingebrigtsen only the second runner, following in Komen’s footsteps, to conquer the remarkable feat of covering 3,218 meters in under eight minutes.
The Norwegian superstar showcased his dominance right from the start, expertly led out by pacesetter Benoit Campion. The electrifying atmosphere created by the passionate crowd at the Stade Charlety, coupled with the aid of Wavelight technology, moving lighting along the inside of the track, empowered the athletes to adapt their pace optimally.
With two-and-a-half laps remaining, Ingebrigtsen seized control of the race as the second pacesetter, Kyumbe Munguti, gracefully guided the Norwegian to the forefront of the illuminated path before stepping aside.
Armed with confidence, Ingebrigtsen charged forward, leaving no room for doubt as he stormed across the finish line, obliterating Komen’s long-standing record.
As the current world record holder for the indoor 1,500m, Ingebrigtsen showcased his versatility and unmatched talent once again. His solitary run only intensified the magnitude of his achievement, serving as a clear warning to his competitors as the world championships loom on the horizon in Budapest this August.
Reflecting on his groundbreaking performance, Ingebrigtsen expressed his elation, stating, “To secure this record feels absolutely incredible. It marks my first outdoor world record, and the feeling is indescribable. The support from the crowd was truly extraordinary, and their presence played a crucial role in this extraordinary achievement. Without their unwavering support, the journey would have been much more arduous.”
Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s unparalleled talent and unwavering determination continue to captivate the world of athletics, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
As he adds another record-breaking milestone to his already illustrious career, the young Norwegian remains a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
