Ingebrigtsen sets new European record at Silesia Diamond League

SILESIA, Poland: Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen broke his own European 1500 metres record at Sunday's (Jul 16) Diamond League meeting in Silesia, clocking 3:27.14.

The 22-year-old followed the field until the final lap, when he sprinted clear, beating the previous record by 0.81 seconds set in Oslo last month, sending a warning shot to rivals ahead of the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Budapest next month.

"I am always focusing on myself in races. Today I wanted a fast race and I wanted to run another sub-3:28," Ingebrigtsen said.

"This result was the best I could hope for today."

He fell short of the world record of 3:26:00, set by Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj 25 years ago in Rome, by over a second.

"You cannot always think about records. Today I wanted one, but I will now be focusing completely on getting ready for the World Championships," he said.

Kenya's Abel Kipsang finished second, crossing the line almost two seconds after Ingebrigtsen in 3:29.11.

Akani Simbine of South Africa grabbed his second Diamond League 100m win in a row, clocking 9.97 seconds, with the first four separated by just 0.02 seconds. American Fred Kerley took second place, experiencing his first defeat of the season.

"I know I am the first to beat Fred this year, we have a good friendship, a good rivalry. I am very satisfied with my performance and hope to continue my good form," Simbine said.

Kerley appeared unaffected by the loss.

"I feel good about today's race. Nothing was missing. I got my job done."

American Sha'Carri Richardson won the women's 100m, with a time of 10.76 seconds. She edged out Jamaica's Shericka Jackson by 0.02 seconds, securing her second 100m Diamond League win of the year.

"I love the time. I put a great race together.