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IAAF.org: Bekele smashes 10,000m World record in Ostrava

2004-06-09

Tuesday 8 June 2004 Ostrava, Czech Republic - For the second time in as many weeks, Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) shattered yet another distance World record to highlight another brilliant edition of the Golden Spike Super Grand Prix in Ostrava this evening.

The spectacular performance of Stacy Dragila (USA), who jumped the best ever outdoor womens Pole Vault mark (4.83m), was the focus of the infield competitions.

Largely solo effort brings Bekele reward

Just eight days after his sterling 12:37.35 World 5000m record in Hengelo, Bekele eclipsed another of Haile Gebrselassies six-year-old global standards, clocking 26:20.31 in the 10,000 metres, more than two seconds faster than the previous mark.

While expectations were certainly high, the effort was hardly a certainty for the young Ethiopian, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday on June 12. "I knew I would break the World record only in the last lap," he said.

With the capacity crowd of more than 20,000 at this IAAF Super Grand Prix meeting eagerly urging him on, Bekele covered the final lap in a stunning 57.2 seconds to finish what was yet another largely solo undertaking by the three time double World Cross Country champion.

Six seconds adrift of schedule at 4000m!

Pacesetter Martin Keino performed his task adequately, guiding Bekele through the first 3000 metres in 7:55.97, about two seconds from his intended 7:54. Sensing a slowing pace, Bekele forged to the lead for good just two laps later, reaching 4000 meters in 10:37.73, more than six seconds behind the pace in Gebreselassies 1998 record run.

Running comfortably and exhibiting relentless grace, Bekele began steadily narrowing the gap. The pre-race plan was a 13:10 half; Bekele clocked 13:14.42, two-and-a-half seconds off pace.