Norwegian clocks 3:26.73 as British 800m man Ben Pattison runs 1:42.27 and Rai Benjamin wins the big 400m hurdles showdown at the Diamond League
Almost 25 years to the day since Hicham El Guerrouj set his long-standing world 1500m record of 3:26.00, Jakob Ingebrigtsen gave it a scare at the Diamond League in Monaco on Friday (July 12) when he clocked a European record of 3:26.73.
The Norwegian was at his imperious best as he showed he is back to great form following an injury-hit winter to improve on the European record of 3:27.14 that he ran in Poland last year.
Timothy Cheruiyot was runner-up almost two seconds behind in 3:28.71 with fellow Kenyan Brian Komen third in 3:28.80, then Yared Nuguse of the United States in 3:29.13 and British champion Neil Gourley fifth in 3:30.65.
Ingebrigtsen followed pacemaker Zan Rudolf through 400m in 55.17 and 800m in 1:50.66 before passing 1200m in the lead in 2:46.37. At the bell he had already stolen a few metres on his rivals and extended it during a strong final 400m of 54.06.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Getty)
“I feel amazing,” said Ingebrigtsen. “It is truly amazing how we as athletes develop ourselves and we run even faster at almost every competition we participate in.
“I really enjoy competing in Monaco, especially when a lot of Norwegian fans are here. That helps me a lot.
“I will continue doing what I have been always doing. I will continue developing physically and continue believing in my training.
“I see that I am increasing my potential every year. It is really important for athletes to believe in what they are doing. When you achieve a great result, it is easier to be confident for the future competitions. I am excited about Paris. I feel strong, I will do my best and hopefully bring home the gold medal.”
Pattison goes No.2 all-time over 800m in the UK
Ben Pattison went second on the British all-time rankings with 1:42.27 in a top-class 800m which was won by Djamel Sedjati of Algeria in a Diamond League and meeting record of 1:41.46.
Only Seb Coe with 1:41.73 from 1981 has now run quicker than Pattison among the Brits but, such was the standard in Monaco, the 22-year-old was only fifth as runner-up Mohamed Attaoui ran a Spanish record of 1:42.04, Gabriel Tual of France clocked 1:42.10 in third and Aaron Cheminingwa of Kenya ran 1:42.13.
Djamel Sedjati wins with Ben Pattison (left) (Getty)
After following pacemaker Ludovi le Meur through the bell in 49.14, world champion Marco Arop of Canada…
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