Sizzling Sifan sets new 10000m World record

Sifan Hassan added another landmark moment to her already glittering career by lowering the 5-year-old world 10,000m record at the FBK Games in Hengelo today.

The Dutch athlete clocked 29:06.82 and shaved almost nine seconds from Almaz Ayana’s old record – regarded as one of toughest in the record books – with a quite brilliant demonstration of distance running.

Making use of Wavelight technology the crowd at the stadium could perfectly follow Sifan on world record pace.

On world record pace from the start, the Dutch star began behind pacemakers Diane van Es and Jackline Rotich, with Van Es taking the lead group through 1000m in 2:56.12.

Rotich was then to the fore, leading through 2000m in 8:47.91, but soon after Hassan was clearly wanting to push the pace. With 19 laps to go she had passed the pacemaker and was following the Wavelight technology, steadily ticking off the laps.

She went through halfway in 14:38.75 and continued to up the pace, eventually crossing the finish line in 29:06.82 before raising her hands to the air and sinking to the track in delight.

“Wow, to run this world record here today in Hengelo is something I could only dream of,” she said. “It's the perfect confirmation of the hard work we've put in getting ready for Tokyo. I am so happy to share this record in front of my Dutch fans. I am so happy!”

Hassan adds this latest mark to her world records in the mile, one hour event and road 5km.