Medina Kumanda Sets U-20 5000m Record at Cursa Dels Nassos in Barcelona
Medina Eisa Kumanda, the reigning Africa 5000m champion, achieved a remarkable feat on New Year’s Eve at the Cursa Dels Nassos in Barcelona, Spain, making history with the fastest 5000m time ever recorded by an under-20 athlete.
The accomplished middle-distance runner, a two-time World U-20 5000m champion, crossed the finish line with a time of 14:23, securing second place in the race. This performance not only set a new U-20 record but also showcased Kumanda’s incredible talent on the global stage. Her achievement came just behind Beatrice Chebet, who shattered the women’s 5km world record, completing the race in 13:54. Chebet’s new record improved the previous world mark by an astounding 19 seconds, surpassing the former record set by Agnes Ngetich earlier in 2024, as well as the 14:00.21 track record held by Gudaf Tsegay from 2023.
The 24-year-old Chebet, who was paced by Latvian Dmitrijs Sergonjins, managed to reach the 3K split in 8:24. She accelerated in the final kilometers, posting times of 2:44 and 2:46 for the last two kilometers, finishing with a time of 13:54, just 26 seconds ahead of the men’s race winner, Matthew Kipruto.
Medina Kumanda’s historic time of 14:23 cements her place in the annals of track and field, further enhancing her already impressive legacy as a top contender in long-distance running.
