Gudaf Tsegay Aims for 3000m Record at Lievin Meet

Lievin, France — Gudaf Tsegay returns to the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13, with aspirations of finally breaking the world indoor 3000m record, currently standing at 8:16.60. The two-time world champion came close last year, finishing just half a second shy during the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais Trope EDF.

Despite her impressive personal best of 8:16.69, achieved in Birmingham two years ago, various contenders, including world indoor 1500m champion Freweyni Hailu, present formidable challenges. Hailu sets the world-leading mark at 8:24.17, recorded earlier this month in Ostrava. In addition, Olympic silver medalist Nadia Battocletti and Ethiopia’s Birke Haylom further intensify the competition on Thursday.

Tsegay has previously showcased her talent in Lievin, where she set the world indoor 1500m record in 2021. Last year in the 3000m, no competitors kept pace with her in the final moments. This year’s lineup features 10 reigning global champions, contributing to an exciting event.

Norwegian star Jakob Ingebrigtsen will toe the line in the men’s mile, aiming to best Yared Nuguse’s newly established world indoor mile record of 3:46.63, set at the Millrose Games last weekend. Ingebrigtsen boasts a 3:30.60 record from the same meeting three years ago, making him one of the primary contenders.

The field for the 3000m includes a strong Ethiopian presence with world road 5km champion Hagos Gebrhiwet and Olympic finalist Biniam Mehary. Competitors Samuel Tefera, Getnet Wale, and Kuma Girma join them, creating a formidable team.

The 800m features competitors from the last World Indoors, including gold medalist Tsige Duguma, who rekindles her rivalry with Britain’s Jemma Reekie and Noélie Yarigo from Benin. A powerful showing is anticipated from Shafiqua Maloney of the U.S. and South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso.

In the men’s race, world indoor champion Bryce Hoppel will clash with Eliott Crestan and Algeria’s Slimane Moula. A strong Ethiopian presence is also expected among the women’s 1500m participants, with Tigist Girma leading the group.

Making his debut in the men’s 200m this season, Erriyon Knighton will race against world leader Erik Erlandsson. The women’s 400m will see world indoor silver medalist Lieke Klaver contending against Rosey Effiong and Laviai Nielsen from Britain.

The women’s pole vault is set to feature world champions Katie Moon and Molly Caudery, contending against Slovenia’s Tina Sutej. Meanwhile, in the men’s shot put, European champions Leonardo Fabbri and Zane Weir will compete alongside Olympic bronze medalist Rajindra Campbell.

The men’s long jump will see Miltiadis Tentoglou seeking redemption after a fourth-place finish last month, facing a rising challenge from Chinese athlete Shu Heng. The women’s triple jump also promises excitement with top performers Liadagmis Povea and Leyanis Perez Hernandez.

This year’s World Indoor Tour meeting is poised to deliver thrilling competitions, showcasing a blend of established champions and emerging talents, all aiming for personal and world records.