Ethiopia's Girma breaks world indoor 3,000m record in Lievin

Ethiopian Lamecha Girma broke the 25-year-old world indoor 3,000m record on Wednesday at the Lievin leg of the World Athletics Indoor Tour.

Tokyo Olympics 3,000m steeplechase silver medalist Girma clocked seven minutes and 23.81 seconds in Lievin to crown the men's 3,000m, breaking Kenyan Daniel Komen's old record of 7:24.90 in 1998.

Spain's Mohamed Katir finished second in 7:24.68 to set a new European record in the category.

"I was talking about this world record attempt for the past three days. My brother is my coach. He told me I had it in me and of course I believed him," Girma said. "I felt really good in training and it was my best form ever, plus the crowd was very supportive today."

"The pacers and the Wavelight were perfect - it all clicked. I have raced here several times in this meeting. The atmosphere and the crowd never disappoint. I hope the record stays for a long time," he added.