This archive report was first published on 24 October 2021.
On a sunny day in Valencia, Spain, Ethiopian athlete Letesenbet Gidey made history by breaking the women's half-marathon world record on October 24, 2021.
At just 23 years old, Gidey, who was racing in her first half-marathon, clocked an impressive 1hr 02min 52sec, surpassing the previous record of 1hr 04min 02sec set by Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya in April 2021.
Valencia was also the scene of Gidey's 5000m record in October 2020, and it seems the city brings out the best in her.
“Gracias Valencia,” Gidey said at the finish line, beaming with pride. “I’m so happy,” she added, holding a sign that read “First woman in history under 63 minutes”.
