Laura Muir Sets New British Record Amid Historic Performances at Paris Diamond League

Laura Muir set a new British mark in the 1500m, breaking her own national record, during a thrilling night at the Paris Diamond League where two significant world records fell.

Muir, 30, clocked a time of 3:53.79 to secure third place, surpassing her previous record set when she claimed silver at the Tokyo Olympics. Despite her impressive performance, Muir and the rest of the field trailed behind double Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon, who shattered her own world record with a remarkable time of 3:49.04.

Kipyegon, coming off a stellar 2023 season where she set world records in the 1500m, 5000m, and the mile, demonstrated no signs of rust in Paris, despite only recently competing at Kenya’s Olympic trials.

“I knew the world record was possible because I recently ran very fast in Kenya. I was coming here to run my race and see what shape I’m in to defend my title at the Olympics,” said Kipyegon, who now appears poised to capture her third consecutive Olympic title in the 1500m next month.

Australian Jessica Hull finished in second place behind Kipyegon, while British champion Georgia Bell achieved a personal best of 3:56.54 to place fifth. Fellow Brit Katie Snowden took ninth place with a time of 3:58.13.

Mahuchikh Breaks 37-Year High Jump World Record

Earlier in the day, Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh broke a 37-year-old high jump world record, making a significant statement ahead of the Paris Olympics. The reigning world champion cleared 2.10 meters, surpassing the previous record set by Bulgaria’s Stefka Kostadinova in 1987.

Mahuchikh, 22, secured her victory by clearing 2.03 meters, outpacing her closest rival, Australia’s Nicola Olyaslagers, who failed to clear the same height in three attempts. Mahuchikh then set a Ukrainian record at 2.07 meters before achieving the world record mark of 2.10 meters on her first attempt.

“Coming into this competition, I had feelings that I could jump 2.07 meters and maybe 2.10 meters,” Mahuchikh said. “Finally I signed Ukraine to the history of world athletics.”

The Paris Diamond League not only highlighted Muir’s new national record but also underscored the extraordinary talents of Kipyegon and Mahuchikh, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Olympic showdown.