Reigning Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s road mile world record was yet to be ratified by World Athletics before Great Britain’s Elliot Giles set another record.
Wanyonyi set the record earlier this year, clocking a stunning 3:54.6 to win the race at the Adizero Road to Records. The record was undergoing the normal ratification process before Giles recorded a lower time at the New Balance KO Meile in Dusseldorf.
The Briton clocked 3:51.3 to win the race ahead of Yared Nuguse who claimed a bronze in the men’s 1500m at the Paris Olympic Games. The American runner clocked 3:51.9 to finish second in the hotly contested race.
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However, eyebrows have been raised about what will happen to the initial world record set by Wanyonyi now that a new world record has been set.
An X user, Justin Lagat, shared on his platform asking: “Now, will Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s Road Mile World Record of 3:54.6, which was yet to be ratified, continue to be ratified after Elliot Giles ran 3:51.3?”
In a reply, another X user, Track Coach MJR said: “Yes, for record progression and just in case something is off on the new standard that makes it unratifiable.”
According to World Athletics, the process of ratification will continue and Wanyonyi’s performance will be scrutinized. It will be required to meet all the required criteria and adhere to the rules and regulations of World Athletics.
Wanyonyi will also be tested; his results must be negative for the record to be eligible. For Wanyonyi’s performance to be considered eligible, the results must be achieved in competitions conducted according to World Athletics Rules and Regulations.
Giles’ record will also undergo the same ratification process and all the athletes are eligible for prize money after breaking the world record.
