Jakob Ingebrigtsen shattered the 3,000-meter world record by over three seconds at the Silesia Diamond League meet in Chorzow, Poland. He delivered it in a stunning time of 7:17.55. This performance eclipsed the previous record of 7:20.67, set by Kenya’s Daniel Komen in 1996. Ingebrigtsen, who had come close to Komen’s mark with a nearly three-second deficit last September, was visibly stunned upon seeing his new time. The 23-year-old Norwegian not only set a new world record but was also expected to receive a $10,000 prize, though it seems that this is not the case for now.

Because Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis is still there! At the Silesia Diamond League meeting on Sunday, Mondo Duplantis set a new pole vault world record by clearing 6.26 meters on his second attempt. But that’s not all! He surpassed his previous record of 6.25 meters set at the Paris Olympics earlier this month.

However, it was decided that the meeting’s most valuable athlete, as judged by the World Athletics points system, would be honored with a 14-carat gold diamond Champion Ring worth $10,000, along with a check for the same amount i.e., 10K. But what next? Who will earn money?

Jakob Ingebrigtsen was expected to win the money but Mondo Duplantis got it. It is all because Duplantis’s world record is worth 1339 points at the same time Ingebrigtsen award is worth 1320 points only. Even though Mondo Duplantis has set his third record this year after winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. He has now broken the world record 10 times with each improvement being one centimeter.

He commented, “I focused on the Olympics this year, so the record just came naturally because I was in great shape. I’m not surprised, but I’m definitely thankful.” In the same meet, Sam Kendricks from the U.S. cleared 6.00 meters but didn’t make 6.08 meters, finishing second.

A few days back Ingebrigtsen managed to get at his rivals by clinching the victory in the 1,500 meters event, at the Lausanne Diamond League meet with a time of 3;27.83. Fast forward to today, the question that comes to everyone’s mind is: will  Jakob Ingebrigtsen walk away empty-handed? Think again- he certainly didn’t leave without his share of the prize money.

Ingebrigtsen hits the jackpot with his record-breaking run

Ingebrigtsen looked shocked when he finished or we would rather say won the race on Sunday. And that too we saw his time was 7;17.55. He was not able to believe it. He even clutched his head and received a $50,000 check proudly posing for a photo, in front of the clock. Reflecting on his achievement, Ingebrigtsen said, “It feels special, amazing. I was hoping to challenge the world record here, but based on my training, I can never predict exactly what kind of time I am capable of”.

He crossed the finish line before a group of runners with Berihu Aregawi with a personal best time of 7;21.28 and Yomif Kejelcha finishing third. Ingebrigtsen concluded, “Now I want to challenge world records at all distances, but it’s one step at a time.” Mondo Duplantis captured everyone’s attention with an award, for his pole vaulting feat while Ingebrigtsen also received a generous reward, for his exceptional performance. It seems track and field is really hitting its stride. What’s your take on the sport’s growing and the recognition these athletes are reaping?