Kenyan athlete Beatrice Chepkoech made history at the Memorial Boris Hanžeković Continental Tour Gold meeting in Zagreb, Croatia, last night.
She blazed through the women’s 2000m steeplechase, clocking an astonishing time of 5 minutes and 47.42 seconds.
This incredible performance not only secured her victory but also shattered the previous world record of 5:52.80, set by Germany’s Gesa Krause in 2019.
Chepkoech wasn’t the only Kenyan to shine in this event. Winnie Jemutai claimed the second spot with a time of 5:52.92, while Marusa Zrimsek of Slovakia finished third, setting a national record of 5:53.38.
This achievement adds to Chepkoech’s impressive track record. At 32 years old, she already holds the world record for the women’s 3000m steeplechase and recently clinched a silver medal at the World Championships in Budapest.
When asked about her remarkable feat, Chepkoech humbly stated, “I had one world record, and now I have two, so I am lucky.”
She attributed her success to staying focused and maintaining a positive mindset.
Chepkoech is gearing up for further challenges, including the Wanda Diamond League Final in Eugene and the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga on October 1, where she will compete in the mile alongside fellow Kenyan athletes Faith Kipyegon and Nelly Chepchirchir.
In another thrilling event at the Memorial Boris Hanžeković, Ferdinand Omanyala made a triumphant return by clocking 9.94 seconds to secure victory in the men’s 100m race.
He left behind strong competitors, including Oblique Seville of Jamaica, who finished second with a time of 10.07 seconds, and Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs of Italy, who secured the third spot with a time of 10.08 seconds.
Omanyala’s impressive performance marks a noteworthy moment in his career, signaling his return to top form.
