The great performance of Bashir Abdi got it a bit snowed under. But on Sunday, the Ethiopian phenomenon Letesenbet Gidey (23) also wrote athletics history. In Valencia she broke the record in the half marathon by no less than 70 seconds.
There is no shortage of impressive performances over long distances this weekend.
And we have to admit: maybe Letesenbet Gidey’s record was even better than that of our Bashir Abdi.
In Valencia, the Ethiopian covered 21.1 kilometers in 1 hour, 2 minutes and 52 seconds. An amazing new world record. No less than 70 seconds below the previous best time of Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich. And with her finish in the 10 kilometers she almost set a second world record.
Even more incredible, it was Gidey’s first time running a half marathon. She is of course not unknown. The running phenomenon is world record holder in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters. In Tokyo she took bronze in the latter distance.
Highest score this year
The International Athletics Federation also awards a points equivalent to each performance. Well, Gidey’s record scored 1,325 points. The highest number for a woman this calendar year.
“It’s an absurd feat,” analysts said. “With that time she would even be eligible to compete at the European Championships for men.
“I knew I could run this time,” Gidey said afterwards. “Because my training in Ethiopia went very well. In the future I am thinking of participating in the marathon. But I am not sure yet whether that will be before or after the Olympic Games in Paris.”
