Gudaf Tsegay reclaimed her 1500m indoor title in dominant fashion, setting a new course record at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing.
Gudaf Tsegay has successfully reclaimed her 1500m indoor title competing at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.
As the women passed the 100m mark, Gudaf Tsegay looked very comfortable in the lead, challenging a strong field that comprised very strong female runners.
Passing the 600m mark, the Ethiopian was still in the lead, with her compatriot, Diribe Welteji on the shoulders. US-based Kenyan Susan Ejore was trailing behind but also looking very formidable to challenge with calculated moves.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.
South Africans continue to send mixed signals regarding Benni McCarthy’ appointment as Harambee Stars coach.
Tsegay maintained the lead passing the 1100m mark and was looking sharp to take the top honours. At last year’s World Indoor Championships, she competed in the 3000m where she finished second and might have decided to scale down the distance in search of a victory.
Gudaf Tsegay wins world indoor 1500m title
)
Gudaf Tsegay wins world indoor 1500m title. Image source: Imago
She put in the work and went on to smash the course record, clocking 3:54.86 to cross the finish line first. In the hotly contested race, Diribe Welteji came in second in a time of 3:59.30 as Georgia Bell completed the podium in a personal best time of 3:59.84.
Gudaf Tsegay was impressive in her campaign, having competed in a few indoor races in the build up to the global showpiece.
)
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy still has hopes of clinching a World Cup place despite a draw away to the Gambia as he looks to freshen up the team for Gabon on Sunday.
Tsegay finished second at the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais Trophée EDF, competing the 3000m before winning the 1500m at the ORLEN Copernicus Cup.
Diribe Welteji & Georgia Bell impress
)
Diribe Welteji & Georgia Bell impress. Image source: Imago
Diribe Welteji and Georgia Bell have also put in the work in their campaigns with the Ethiopian having won the 1500m at the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais Trophée EDF and later finishing second at the Meeting Indoor de Lyon.
Georgia Bell has also been a frequent competitor indoors, starting her season with a sixth-place finish at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. She won the UK Indoor Championships, securing a direct ticket to the world showpiece.
Susan Ejore misses podium
)
Susan Ejore. Image source: Imago
Meanwhile, Susan Ejore, who was Kenya’s sole representative could only afford a fifth-place finish after fighting hard. Ejore clocked 4:03.89 to cross the finish line.
Ejore started her campaign dominantly, finishing an impressive third in the heats to qualify for the final. She crossed the finish line in a time of 4:12.41 behind Gudaf Tsegay and Sinclaire Johnson who finished first and second in respective times of 4:12.41.
)
Ian Otieno explains what to expect from Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars welcome Gabon in the 2026 World Cup qualifier clash.
