Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei produced one of the greatest performances in athletics history at the Diamond League meeting in Rome on Friday, shattering the 5,000 metres world record with a stunning time of 12:35.36 — beating his own previous mark by 1.4 seconds.
Running in near-perfect conditions at the Stadio Olimpico, Cheptegei led a five-man pack through 3,000m in 7:36 before storming home in the final kilometre to leave rivals trailing.
"I knew the conditions were right tonight," said Cheptegei. "My body felt like it was floating. This is for Uganda, for Africa."
The 29-year-old, who holds world records at 5,000m and 10,000m, is widely regarded as the greatest long-distance runner of his generation.
