Freweyni Hailu shatters Hellen Obiri’s Record in Ostrava

World Indoor 1500m champion Freweyni Hailu shattered Hellen Obiri’s Meeting Record in the women’s 3000m race at the Czech Indoor Gala, a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting, Tuesday (05) in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

The 23 year-old who used Kenyan Caroline Makandi Gitonga as her pacer, signaled her strong early-season form as she went after the double world 5000m champion’s record of 8:38.81 and setting a new Meet Record of 8:27.17.

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“I came to Ostrava with big expectations and aimed to improve my personal best. My entire indoor season preparation took place in Ethiopia, where I reached a new level in training. The pacemaker did a brilliant job, making it comfortable for me to achieve my goal tonight. I’m happy to have met the organizers’ expectations, set a meeting record, and become the world leader. With such a strong season opener, I hope to secure my spot on our national team for the World Indoor Championships,” said Hailu

Hailu was followed in second place by Portugal’s Salomé Afonso in a time of 8:39.25 with Purity’s twin sister Purity Kajuju Gitonga sealing the podium in 8:39.36.

LEADING RESULTS

300M WOMEN

1. Freweyni Hailu     (ETH) 8:24.17
2. Salome Afonso       (POR) 8:39.25
3. Purity Gitonga       (KEN) 8:39.36
4. Innes Fitzgerald    (GBR) 8:40.96
5. Lomi Muleta          (ETH) 8:40.96