Gudaf Tsegay returned to Lievin looking to recapture the magic that carried her to a world indoor 1500m record last year. This time the world and Olympic bronze medalist was contesting the mile and had Genzebe Dibaba’s world indoor record of 4:13.31 in her sights.
Or at least she did – until she tripped and fell on the first lap. She got back up soon enough and by the second lap she was in second place behind the pacemaker. But she clearly looked uncomfortable and was never on pace to threaten the world indoor record.
Nevertheless, she shook off a mid-race challenge from compatriot Axumawit Embaye and went on to win in 4:21.72, breaking a meeting record that had stood for 20 years. Axumawit finished second in 4:25.30.