Keeping Track: What a record breaking week.

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Laura Muir on her way to win the 2018 Diamond Trophy in Brussels. Photo: Matthew Quine

We’ve lost count of how many records have been broken this week, not just in the UK but globally. There was definitely something in the water these past few days, maybe it was post-Valentine’s day feelings, or athletes peaking just at the right time before the Europeans. Who knows. But, whatever the cause, it sure made for some outstanding athletics coverage. We could just about keep up.

WE LOST COUNT OF THE RECORDS

We can’t begin our weekly round-up without firstly mentioning 22 year old Samuel Tefera. We knew a world record was on the cards at the Müller Birmingham Grand Prix last weekend. It was fellow Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha who lead quite a significant portion of the race, but when Tefera took to the front in the closing stages of the race, there was no stopping him. The crowd and atmosphere were electric, everyone knew what could be and the significance of the athletes’ efforts. It really did pay off. Clocking 3:31.04 and just dipping under the world record time by the skin of his teeth, the young Ethiopian athlete made history, and a lot of people lose their minds in Arena Birmingham on Saturday afternoon. Thank you Samuel.

Social media couldn’t quite believe it.

ANOTHER MILESTONE FOR MUIR

Muir fed off the energy Tefera helped concoct in the Women’s Mile Final. Similar to the men’s event, this race was advertised as a record-breaking attempt, and the Scotswoman certainly didn’t let the Midlands crowd down. Not only did she smash the British mile record by 5 seconds, a record that had stood since 1988 (before she was even born), but also the 1500m record in the process. She stopped the clock at a mind-blowing 4:18.75 seconds, and clocked 4:01.84 at the 1500m mark. It’s safe to say we were speechless.

ANOTHER RECORD FOR INGEBRIGTSEN. NORWAY!

There was something clearly in the Norwegian water too, as the infamous 18 year old Jakob Ingebrigtsen opened his 2019 with a world U20 record in the 1500m…3:36.21. He was clear by more than 10 seconds and shaved 4 seconds off his previous indoor best of 3:40.31. Take a look at his spilt times…

MORE RECORDS IN MONACO

It hasn’t all been indoor action this week, there were records broken on the very streets of Monaco too. Described as “unofficial world bests” up until 12 months ago, Sifan Hassan and Julien Wanders set world 5km records at the prestige event in Monaco. There is however, lots of confusion and misunderstanding regarding the 5km that now qualifies as a world record event. Click here to find out more and to get up to scratch on all your athletics rules and regulations.

MASTERING THE 60 FOR CHAMBERS

Former world champion, 40 year old Dwain Chambers, caught the record-chasing bug as well this week. He clocked 6.69 at Lee Valley to smash the UK V40 record. Here’s where he stands at his best…

EVENTFUL WEEK:

There were plenty other events on this week. Here’s a few…

ATHLONE INTERNATIONAL GRAND PRIX

Su Bingtian, Asia’s fastest man, could probably be held responsible for the week-long madness. He began his European campaign in Athlone, Ireland, earlier in the week, clocking 6.52 in the 60m final, the second fastest time in 2019.

MULLER GRAND PRIX

There were plenty of other top performances in Birmingham.

Olympic Champion Juan Miguel Echevarria, was of course a hot favourite in the long jump. Despite being a long way from his best of 8.68m, he still impressed with a leap of 8.21m. British interest Renold Banigo finished in 5th with a season’s best of 7.77m.

It was all about Holly Bradshaw on the back straight. After flying higher than Olympic Champion Katerina Stefanidi who only had 4.71 within her capabilities that afternoon, the Blackburn Harrier tried her hand at a new British record. It wasn’t meant to be however, and she finished her Birmingham campaign with a season’s best of 4.81. And wasn’t she happy about it…

Su Bingtian went one step further in Birmingham swell. China’s poster boy clocked 6.47,  the fastest time in the world in 2019. Britain’s Reece Prescod wasn’t too far behind either, and equalled his lifetime best of 6.53.

 IRSH INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Off the back of the Athlone Grand Prix, which saw some stunning Irish performances, it was time for Ireland to showcase their best talents.

They’ve also JUST announced their European Championships team selection.

BEST ON OFFER AT BUCS

Two records were broken on the final day of BUCS 2019 in Sheffield. It was down to the ladies, Hayley Mills and Alexandra Russell to put 2019 in the record books. Liverpool’s Alexandra Russell, hopped, stepped and jumped into the history books with her 13.39m performance in the triple jump final. Mills was equally impressive, easily winning the 200m final in 23.49, showing she’s back on top form in 2019.

IN OTHER NEWS…

KEMOY RECOVERY

Jamaican athlete Kemoy Campbell still remains in hospital after collapsing last week during a 3000m. It’s said he is recovering rather quick though, and could be out of hospital in the very near future! All the best to him and his family.

BRITISH TEAM SELECTION FOR EUROPEANS INDOORS

British Athletics have selected a record team, packed full of world-class talent. We can’t wait to see what they’ll do in Glasgow in just under two weeks’ time.

WHAT’S TO COME THIS WEEK?

IAAF WORLD TOUR FINAL, DUSSELDORF

The finale of the #iaafworldtour is in Dusseldorf this Wednesday.

ENGLAND ATHLETICS AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS WEEKEND

We’ll be covering the England Athletics Indoor Age Group Championships this weekend. We hope to see you all there! (or glued to your laptops).

ARTICLE INFORMATION

Cherisse Walley

Cherisse Walley

First published on: 18 February, 2019 3:17 pm

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