EUGENE, Oregon (Sept. 19) – The 2023 outdoor track and field season concluded in a blaze of glory, with eight senior world records shattered, including two at the Wanda Diamond League Final at Hayward Field in Eugene over the weekend on Saturday (16) and Sunday (17).
Faith Kipyegon of Kenya emerged as a dominant force, setting three world records, while the months of June and September proved to be fertile ground for record-breaking performances.
Faith Kipyegon’s Triple Triumph
Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon was a standout performer this season, setting three world records. She clocked 3:49.11 in the 1500m in Florence on June 2, followed by a 14:05.20 in the 5000m in Paris just a week later (this was eventually broken by Gudaf Tsegay).
Kipyegon continued her record-breaking spree by setting a new women’s mile world record of 4:07.64 in Monaco on July 21.
Read more: Gudaf Tsegay destroys 5000m world record at Eugene Diamond League Final with 14:00.21
Wanda Diamond League Final Highlights
The season reached its zenith at the Wanda Diamond League Final in Eugene, where Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay and Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis made their own history.
Tsegay obliterated Kipyegon’s 5000m record, finishing in a jaw-dropping 14:00.21. Duplantis capped off the event with a 6.23-meter pole vault, breaking his own world record.
Record-Heavy Months
June and September were particularly prolific, each accounting for three senior world records. The Prefontaine Classic 2023, held this past weekend, was a microcosm of the season’s excitement, featuring a pair of world-record performances by Tsegay, and Duplantis.
Read more: Mondo Duplantis breaks own pole vault world record with 6.23m at Diamond League Final
Comprehensive Tally
In a broader context, the year has seen a staggering 29 world records set across various categories, including indoor, U20, road, and relay events. Of these, 13 have already received official ratification from World Athletics.
Individual Senior Outdoor Track and Field World Records of 2023
- Women’s 1500m: 3:49.11 Faith Kipyegon (KEN), Florence, June 2
- Women’s 5000m: 14:05.20 Faith Kipyegon (KEN), Paris, June 9
- Women’s mile: 4:07.64 Faith Kipyegon (KEN), Monaco, July 21
- Women’s 5000m: 14:00.21 Gudaf Tsegay (ETH), Eugene, September 17
- Men’s shot put: 23.56m Ryan Crouser (USA), Los Angeles, May 27
- Men’s 3000m steeplechase: 7:52.11 Lamecha Girma (ETH), Paris, June 9
- Men’s 2000m: 4:43.13 Jakob Ingebrigtsen (NOR), Brussels, September 8
- Men’s pole vault: 6.23m Mondo Duplantis (SWE), Eugene, September 17
For more world record news, updates and stats, please check out the World Athletics page here
