World records set during this season by Faith Kipyegon, Lamecha Girma, and Maria Perez have now received official recognition, cementing their extraordinary achievements on the global stage.

Kenya’s Kipyegon, a powerhouse in middle and long-distance running, has earned her place in history with not one, but two ratified world records.

Faith Kipyegon records

Her exceptional performance in the women’s 1500m and 5000m races has solidified her status as a record-breaker.

Additionally, Kipyegon’s remarkable feat in the women’s mile, achieved in Monaco on July 21, is currently awaiting final confirmation.

Kipyegon’s journey to rewriting the record books began at the Golden Gala Wanda Diamond League meeting in Florence on June 2.

With sheer determination, she clocked an astonishing 3 minutes and 49.11 seconds in the women’s 1500m, surpassing the previous world record of 3:50.07 held by Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba since July 17, 2015.

Faith Kipyegon’s prowess

Demonstrating her versatility, Kipyegon’s prowess extended to the 5000m event just a week later at the Meeting de Paris Wanda Diamond League on June 9.

Despite not initially targeting the world record of 14:06.62 set by Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey in October 2020, Kipyegon shattered expectations, crossing the finish line in 14 minutes and 5.20 seconds, leaving a trail of records in her wake.

Ratification refers to the official recognition and approval of a performance or record achieved by an athlete.

When a record or performance is ratified, it means that the result has undergone a thorough review and verification process to ensure its accuracy and compliance with the established rules and regulations of the sport.

Ratification is an essential step in maintaining the integrity and credibility of athletics records. It ensures that the achievements of athletes are legitimate and that they have met the necessary criteria to establish a new record or performance. Once a record or performance is ratified, it becomes an official part of the sport’s history.

A defining moment came for Lamecha Girma on a remarkable evening in athletics during the Meeting de Paris.

Ethiopian athlete set his sights on the men’s world 3000m steeplechase record of 7:53.63, which had stood unbroken for 19 years.

The challenge was daunting, but Girma embraced it. He surged ahead with unparalleled speed, crossing the finish line in a breathtaking 7 minutes and 52.11 seconds, carving 1.52 seconds off the previous record set by Qatar’s Saif Saaeed Shaheen in September 2004.

Maria Perez, representing Spain, etched her name in the annals of athletics history with an exceptional performance in Podebrady on May 21.

Perez showcased her unparalleled skills in the women’s 35km race walk, recording an impressive time of 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 15 seconds.

Her remarkable feat eclipsed the previous world record of 2:37:44 held by Peru’s double world champion, Kimberly Garcia, since March 25, and left an indelible mark on the sport.