Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon broke the women’s mile world record at the Monaco Diamond League meeting on July 21. In the men’s 100 meters, Ferdinand Omanyala won in a photo finish.
Kipyegon dominated the field and finished almost seven seconds ahead of Ciara Mageean from Ireland, knocking nearly five seconds off the previous world record. She now holds three world records in two months. Omanyala won the men’s 100 meters with a time of 9.92, narrowly beating Letsile Tebogo of Botswana.
Kipyegon expressed her gratitude for the support of her fellow athletes, saying, “It was a blessing to do this with these ladies. I can see that they’re all happy for me and it’s so emotional.” Omanyala, after securing his first Diamond League victory, stated, “Tonight, I just confirmed what I am capable of. I wanted a faster time but a win is a win.”
Fred Kerley, who suffered his first defeat of the season last week, did not participate in the race. Karsten Warholm set his second-best time ever in the 400 meters hurdles, clocking 46.51. Alison Dos Santos from Brazil put up a strong fight but couldn’t match Warholm’s performance.
Shericka Jackson from Jamaica won the 200 meters with a time of 21.86, followed by Julien Alfred from Saint Lucia. Dina Asher-Smith from Britain took third place with her season’s best time of 22.23.
Armand Duplantis, the world record holder in pole vault, faced difficulties in the competition and finished fourth. He failed to clear the winning height set by Christopher Nilsen from the United States. Duplantis expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic for the upcoming World Championships in Budapest.
In summary, Faith Kipyegon and Ferdinand Omanyala achieved remarkable victories at the Monaco Diamond League meeting. Kipyegon broke the women’s mile world record, while Omanyala won the men’s 100 meters. Other notable performances included Karsten Warholm’s impressive time in the 400 meters hurdles and Shericka Jackson’s victory in the 200 meters. Armand Duplantis faced challenges in the pole vault competition but remained determined for future competitions.
