Jessica Hull of Australia made a stunning statement ahead of the Paris Olympics, breaking the women’s 2,000m world record at the Monaco Diamond League meet on Friday. The 27-year-old Hull crossed the finish line in a blistering 5:19.70, obliterating the previous mark of 5:21.56 set by Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi in 2021. Hull, who credits the wave lights inside the track for helping her maintain pace, said she was focused on keeping up with the lights and not getting caught. “It was incredible when I was on my own in the last lap, everyone was cheering for me,” she said. “I was just looking at the lights hoping that they don’t catch me. It is amazing to be called a world record-holder now. I am running so fast now because I have been healthy for four years and have a really strong body now.” This Diamond League victory comes just four days after Hull shaved more than five seconds off her personal best in the 1,500 meters, finishing second behind Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon at the Paris Diamond League. Kipyegon clocked a world record in that race, with Hull’s time being the fifth fastest ever. Meanwhile, Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the reigning Olympic 1,500m champion, ran a sizzling last lap in the 1,500m race, shaving three seconds off his own world-leading time and breaking his own Norwegian and European records. Ingebrigtsen crossed the finish line in 3:26.73, setting up what could be a thrilling Olympic battle with British rival and reigning world champion Josh Kerr. “I feel amazing,” said Ingebrigtsen. “It is truly amazing how we as athletes develop ourselves and we run even faster at almost every competition we participate. It is really important for athletes to believe in what they are doing. When you achieve great results, it is easier to be confident for future competitions. I am excited about Paris. I feel strong, I will do my best and hopefully bring home the gold medal.” The 25-year-old Djamel Sedjati pulled away from the 800m field to clock 1:41.46, shaving a tenth of a second off his previous world-leading time. “It’s the fourth time I run a world lead and the second time an Algerian record, I have worked really hard for that,” said Sedjati, the 2022 world silver medallist. “Now I am thinking of the world record, I hope to run it at the Olympic Games. I have two more weeks to prepare it.” In the men’s 400m, Quincy Hall, the bronze medallist at last year’s world championships, ran a season’s fastest 43.80. “I knew I needed to step up my game a little bit and that it would be enough to run this fast,” he said. “Going to Paris, I do not feel like I have a target on my back.” The Monaco Diamond League meet marked the penultimate event in the series before the Paris Olympics, with the London Diamond League on July 20th being the last event before the Games open six days later.
Hull Sets World Record in Monaco Diamond League, Ingebrigtsen Smashes European 1500m Record
