Faith Kipyegon, the double Olympic 1,500m champion, broke the women's 5,000m world record on Friday evening with a scorching effort of 14:05.20 at the Paris Diamond League.
The new world record comes barely a week after Kipyegon broke the women's 1,500m world record at 3:49.11 in the Florence Diamond League.
Kipyegon made her Diamond League debut over 5,000m, competing against seasoned runners such as Ethiopian world record holder Letesenbet Gidey and former world silver medalist Margaret Chelimo.
Kipyegon chased Gidey, who led most of the race until Kipyegon took over, which saw her break the world mark. Gidey finished second in 14:07.94.
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"No, I didn't think about the world record; I'm not sure how I did it," Kipyegon, who burst into tears after crossing the finish line, said.
"I just kept my eyes on the green light and tried to relax and enjoy the race."
"I just ran the race to see what happened." I was astounded to learn that it was a world record. It was all about giving it my all. I merely wanted to beat my best; breaking the world record was not in the cards."
Three pacesetters helped the field, including Kenyan Beatrice Chepkoech, a world record holder in the 3,000m steeplechase.
Kipyegon took the lead with 700m remaining in the 12-and-a-half lap race, carefully obeying the trackside lighting system signalling world record speed.
Gidey kept close behind as the Kenyan, a double world and Olympic 1500m champion, ran through the bell first.
The Ethiopian threatened to come back in the final 200 meters. Still, Kipyegon accelerated away down the home straight in an absolute distance running masterclass, much like she did in Florence last week.
Gidey came in second in 14:07.94, with Ejgayehu Taye, the world record holder over 5km, coming in third (14:13.31).
Kipyegon was supposed to fly to Kenya for a training camp before returning to Europe for another probable 1500m record attempt in the Monaco Diamond League event on July 21.
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