Ever since the series began in 2010, the Wanda Diamond League Final has given the world’s best athletes the chance to end their season on a high with a global title – even those who suffered a setback at that year’s major championships.
2023 was no different, with several big names bouncing back at the Wanda Diamond League Final in Eugene following disapppointment at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay had been aiming for two gold medals in Hungary, but after racing to gold in the 10,000m, injury trouble curtailed her bid for the 5000m world title. “I was so hungry for the World Championship, but I missed the 5000m due to injury: my leg is problem,” she said.
That meant that Tsegay arrived in Eugene with a point to prove, and boy did she prove it. The Ethiopian cruised to the Diamond League title with a historic 14:00.21 in the 5000m, smashing the world record which Kenyan rival Faith Kipyegon had set at the Paris Diamond League only three months earlier.
“My focus today is world record. I didn’t sleep because I was so hungry for it,” she said, adding that the previously unthinkable prospect of going under 14 minutes was now a realistic goal for next season. “I will try,” she said.