Ingebrigtsen and Duplantis Shatter World Records in Spectacular Diamond League Meeting

Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Armand Duplantis produced breathtaking performances in Silesia, setting new world records in the 3,000m and pole vault respectively at the latest Diamond League meet. The event will be remembered as one of the highlights of the 2024 athletics season, with both stars confirming their status as two of the most dominant athletes in the world.

Ingebrigtsen Destroys 28-Year-Old 3,000m World Record

Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen stunned the athletics world by smashing the long-standing 3,000m world record, clocking an astonishing 7:17.55. The previous record of 7:20.67 was set by Kenya’s Daniel Komen in 1996 and had stood as one of the most iconic and durable marks in men’s track and field history. Ingebrigtsen’s achievement not only broke the record but obliterated it by more than three seconds.

The 23-year-old, fresh off his 1500m victory at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne earlier in the week, showed remarkable endurance and speed, especially in the final stages of the race. “It feels special, amazing,” said Ingebrigtsen. “I was hoping to challenge the world record here, but I didn’t expect to run 7:17. At the start, the pace felt fast, but I found my rhythm and pushed through.”

Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi finished second in 7:21.28, the third-fastest time in history, while compatriot Yomif Kejelcha took third in 7:28.44. Ingebrigtsen’s record-breaking run adds to an incredible year that has seen him win multiple titles and emerge as one of the sport’s most versatile middle-distance runners.

Duplantis Raises the Bar in Pole Vault Again

Shortly after Ingebrigtsen’s historic run, Sweden’s Armand Duplantis continued his own world-record spree, clearing 6.26m in the pole vault to break his own mark by one centimetre. The 24-year-old’s second-attempt clearance was his third world record of the season and the 10th of his career, underlining his dominance in the event.

“I focused on the Olympics this year, so the record came naturally because I was in good shape,” Duplantis said. “I’m not surprised, but I’m thankful.” The Swedish superstar has been virtually unbeatable in 2024, having already secured Olympic gold in Paris earlier this month with a world-record performance.

Duplantis was joined by some of the world’s best vaulters, including American Sam Kendricks and Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis, both of whom also cleared 6m. However, it was Duplantis who once again took center stage, raising the bar to new heights and solidifying his place as one of the all-time greats.

Mixed Results for British Athletes

For the British contingent, it was a day of mixed fortunes. Jemma Reekie delivered a strong performance in the women’s 1,000m, finishing second in 2:32.56 behind Kenya’s Nelly Chepchirchir. Reekie’s showing was the standout British performance, while Georgia Bell claimed third in the women’s 1500m.

Meanwhile, sprinter Daryll Neita finished fourth in the women’s 100m final, clocking 11.01 seconds. Dina Asher-Smith, who had won in Lausanne just days earlier, opted to sit out the Silesia meet, citing a need for rest. Jamaica’s Tia Clayton took the 100m title in 10.83.

Other Highlights from Silesia

Elsewhere on the track, there were significant wins and close finishes. In the men’s 800m, Canada’s world champion Marco Arop edged out Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi in 1:41.86. The men’s 110m hurdles saw American Grant Holloway bounce back from his recent loss in Lausanne, narrowly defeating Jamaica’s Rasheed Broadbell in 13.04.

Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo continued his impressive run with a second Diamond League win in four days, storming to victory in the 200m in 19.83. In the men’s 100m, Olympic bronze medallist Fred Kerley won in 9.87 seconds, with Paris silver medallist Kishane Thompson sitting out the event.

The meeting also saw redemption for 400m hurdlers Femke Bol and Karsten Warholm, both of whom missed out on Olympic gold but secured comfortable victories in Silesia, with times of 52.13 and 46.95 respectively.

The Silesia Diamond League meet will be remembered not only for the remarkable world records but also for the thrilling competition across multiple events, setting the stage for a dramatic end to the 2024 athletics season.