Following a stunning 2023 season in which she set world records over 1500m, 5,000m and the mile, Kipyegon had not raced this year until Kenya’s Olympic trials last month – but she has quickly reminded her rivals why she remains the heavy favourite to add to her six global golds.
Only Hull dared follow as Kipyegon raced the pace-setting lights on the inside of the track in pursuit of further history, while Muir timed her effort perfectly to finish strong and boost her belief she can once again make the Olympic podium.
“I knew the world record was possible because I recently ran very fast in Kenya. I was coming here to run my race and see what shape I’m in to defend my title at the Olympics,” said Kipyegon.
Mahuchikh won bronze on her Olympic debut as a teenager in Tokyo three years ago and will head to Paris as the one to beat after her historic jump.
The Ukrainian had recorded the joint-fourth highest jump in history with a personal best leap over 2.07m, after she secured victory over Australian Nicola Olyslagers by clearing 2.03m.
Maintaining that momentum, Mahuchikh, who two years ago was forced to flee her war-torn home country following Russia’s invasion, raced away to celebrate with her coach after taking down the world record at the first attempt.
“Coming into this competition, I had feelings that I could jump 2.07m and maybe 2.10m,” she said. “Finally I signed Ukraine to the history of world athletics.”
Armand Duplantis was unable to make it a trio of world records in Paris but still took victory in the men’s pole vault.
The Swede broke the world record for an eighth time at the opening Diamond League of the season in April and has gone close to improving that mark of 6.24m on several occasions, most recently at the European Championships.
Winner of back-to-back world golds since becoming Olympic champion at the age of 21 in Tokyo three years ago, Duplantis sealed victory with a clearance at 6.00m.