Kenyan middle-distance runner Mary Moraa made history at the ISTAF meet in Berlin on Sunday, breaking the world record in the 600 meters. In front of 40,500 spectators at the Olympic Stadium, Moraa achieved a time of 1:21.63, surpassing the previous record by 0.14 seconds.
Moraa, the reigning 800 meters world champion and Olympic bronze medallist, showcased her exceptional skills on Berlin’s renowned blue track. Her record-setting performance eclipsed the previous record of 1:21.77, held by South Africa’s Caster Semenya since 2017. “I’m incredibly happy,” Moraa said after her historic run. “Breaking this record on my first attempt is overwhelming. I’m thrilled with how I ran today.”
From Obwari, Kenya, Moraa has been making significant strides in athletics. Following a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, she captured the world title in Budapest in 2023. At the ISTAF, Moraa outpaced her competitors, with Shafiqua Maloney of Saint Vincent finishing in 1:22.98 and Germany’s Alica Schmidt clocking in at 1:24.88.
The ISTAF featured several other standout performances. German javelin thrower Julian Weber, who won silver at the European Championships, energized the home crowd with a throw of 88.64 meters. “It was an amazing experience,” Weber said. “The crowd’s energy was incredible, and I had so much fun. This series of throws exceeded my expectations.”
In the pole vault, American Sam Kendricks set a milestone by clearing 6.01 meters on his first attempt, marking the first six-meter jump at the ISTAF in 25 years. Additionally, Leo Neugebauer of VfB Stuttgart claimed victory in the inaugural ISTAF triathlon, establishing a substantial lead after strong performances in the 100 meters and discus, and maintaining it through the 1,500 meters, his least favored event. “This was my first competition at the Olympic Stadium, and I’m eager to return. It was an incredible debut,” Neugebauer remarked, appreciating the enthusiastic crowd.
The day’s events concluded with a thrilling 100 meters final, where SCC Berlin sprinter Gina Lückenkemper delivered her fastest career performance. The 27-year-old improved her personal best, set seven years ago, by 0.02 seconds, finishing in 10.93 seconds with a slight tailwind. “This stadium and this crowd give me so much strength,” Lückenkemper said. “I’ve been on the verge of something great for a while, and today I proved it.”
Olympic shot put champion Yemisi Ogunleye also drew cheers, securing second place with a throw of 18.65 meters, just behind Jessica Schilder of the Netherlands. “I enjoyed competing today,” Ogunleye said. “Second place is acceptable, but I wish I could have thrown further.”
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