It was a historic night at the Stade Louis II on Friday as records tumbled at the Herculis Diamond League event.

A night of great promise lived up to expectations as world-class athletes in top form broke records on a scorching night in the Principality. The highlight of the night was Faith Kipyegon’s performance (pictured above) in the women’s mile. The Kenyan Olympic Champion smashed the current world record, set by Sifan Hassan in 2019, by almost five seconds (4:07.64).

She came into the competition in top form having already broken the 1500m and 5000m world records this year. Laura Muir also set a British record in the event (4:15.24) but that wasn’t enough for a podium as she finished fourth.

Reigning Olympic champion Karsten Warholm’s performance was much anticipated, and it didn’t disappoint. The Norwegian ran a 46.51 in the 400m hurdles, the fourth-quickest time in history, and a new series record.

Depleted Duplantis disappoints

One of the headliners of the event was Olympic Gold medalist Armand Duplantis. However, struggling with a thigh issue, the Swede missed out on the podium altogether. American Chris Nilsen (5.92m) profited from Duplantis’ missed step, ahead of Ernest John Obiena and Kurtis Marschall, who completed the podium.

More records were broken in the 110m Women’s Hurdles. Olympic Silver medalist Nia Ali won with a time of 12:30, breaking the meeting record, which was set just last year. That time also represents a personal best for the American athlete.

Hagos Gebrhiwet won the Men’s 5000m with a personal best (12:42.18) ahead of Berihu Aregawi and Telahun Haile Bekele. However, further back more records were beaten. Spanish runner Mohamed Katir smashed the European record with a time of 12:45.01, whilst Monaco Run winner Jimmy Gressier set a new French record (12:56.09).

Ferdinand Omanyala – blink and you miss him

There were no surprises in an explosive Women’s 200m race. Shericka Jackson won the event, followed by Julien Alfred and Dina Asher-Smith, the fastest woman in British history, to complete the podium.

Ferdinand Omanyala then concluded a spectacular night of athletics in style. The Kenyan won his first Diamon League 100m with a time of 9.92 seconds. He beat U20 World Champion Letsile Tebogo and Jamaican sprinter Ackeem Blake.

The spectacle was ensured at the Stade Louis II as the athletes prepare to head for the next Diamond League event in London. Everything is building towards the World Championships in Budapest in late August.

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Photo of Faith Kipyegon credit Enrico Bottero, Monaco Life