News – Monday 5^th June 2006

Meseret Defar breaks record

Ethiopian athlete Meseret Defar broke the women’s 5,000 metres world record on Saturday, at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York’s Icahn Stadium. The Olympic champion improved on her personal best by more than four seconds to win in 14 minutes 24.53 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 14:24.68 set in 2004. Fellow Ethiopian, Workitu Ayanu, finished second in 14 minutes 50.51 seconds.

"I'm very happy with this year. I will try to break the record again. I know I can do it," said Meseret, who is also to compete in five more 3,000 metres or 5,000 metres races at Golden League meetings this season.