Yomif Kajelcha has created track history yet again. But this time, it was by the skin of his teeth! It was literally a one-second margin. The Ethiopian long-distance favorite ran at the 2024 Valencia Half Marathon on October 27. What began as another race was a moment that history shall remember. He did not just win the race; he went on to break the standing world record. The previous record was 57:31 and was set by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo in 2021. As of today, the record stands rewritten.

Yomif Kajelcha now holds the world record with a time of 57:30. This is a massive win for Ethiopia after the dismal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Yomif Kajelcha was a part of the 10,000m team alongside Berihu Aregawi and Selemon Barega. Unfortunately, right before stepping on the world stage, the Olympic committee replaced Yomif with Biniam Mehari. Not just in the 5000m race but in the 10,000m race too. The man who was once pushed aside is now the man who will be remembered for long distance. With this win in Valencia, Kajelcha didn’t just break a record; he has reminded the world of who he is. But there’s another factor adding to this moment.

As one fan rightly points out, “Yomif Kajelcha now simultaneously holds the world indoor mile record (3:47.01) and the world half marathon record”. The fandom scores a point yet again. As the fan mentioned, Kajelcha also holds the world record in the indoor mile. In 2019. Yomif made his first attempt at the indoor mile. He came close to breaking El Guerrouj’s 1997 record but missed it by 0.01 seconds. But Yomif is one to settle!

The very same year, in fact, the very same month, Yomif did something unusual. He went on to break the record, clocking 3:47.01. Cut to 2024, the long-distance now has another record to add to his stack of historical moments. If there is one thing that this record tells us, it is that their versatility makes him a name to look out for in the long-distance races to come. But these records didn’t happen in isolation. Behind every great athlete is a coach who sees potential.

And in the case of Yomif Kejelcha, this stands true. As one fan went on to say, “Congratulations, coach @NafnatCoach and Team.” The man behind the magic that just happened is Nigatu Worku! He has worked with athletes at Oromia’s water works and construction athletics clubs in Sululta. But Coach Worku’s greatest moment came when he stepped in to coach the Ethiopian national team. But that’s not all!

Nigatu Worku has been coaching the team since 2016. He then went on to work with Addis Ababa’s athletes and guide the Police Commission’s sports club, keeping Ethiopia’s athletes at the top of their game. While the race at Valencia was great, fans are predicting that it just might be broken soon.

Netizens are pouring in love while putting forth speculations!

The reactions to Kajelcha’s record have more to say. The fandom has been quick to celebrate, with some recalling the dominance of the so-called “Ethiopian Army”! A fan went on to write, “An athlete like him is wonderful; he’s given us goosebumps since the Ethiopian Army gave the order to start running. Sorry to fly.” The Army that the fan pointed out is one that has created history, especially in the 10,000m and road racing circuits.

Berihu Aregawi, for example, is a record holder in the 5000m. His time? 12:49! On the other hand, Selemon Barega is an Olympian. He won gold in the 10,000m at Tokyo. When the three come together, it is truly an “Ethiopian Army.” But above that, they embody the spirit of Ethiopian long-distance running. And Yomif Kajelcha is the latest addition to that legacy. However, Yomif is not just adding to the Ethiopian legacy but also the long-distance glory!

One fan rightly pointed out, “It’s been incredible to see marathon runners break world records left and right over the past two years. Amazing stuff!” And they are not wrong! Since 2020, the world has seen many names break records. This legacy of rewriting history has big names, including Kibiwott Kandie and Jacob Kiplimo. But what makes Yomif’s record a whole lot more exciting is the gap between the first and second place!

Kejelcha’s speed was hard to catch up with. Thai left the runner-up, Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko, 47 seconds behind. And Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi went on to win third. Valencia is known for world-record-breaking runs! This race was the fourth record set in the city in the past seven years! When talking about records and long distance, there is no discussion without Kenyan athletes, and a fan quickly pointed out the same!

The fan wrote, “Kenyans are coming for it, Sooon”. While Ethiopia stands in the spotlight today, Kenya has stood in the limelight of history. Historically, the long distance has been their domain. Kibiwott Kandie, for example, was the first athlete to go below the 58-minute mark in a half marathon. There is also Peres Jepchirchir. The Kenyan woman who set the women’s world record clocking 1:05:16. If history is testimony, then it is only a matter of time before a Kenyan athlete breaks the new record.

But fortunately, there is time for that. As Yomif Kajelcha assimilates his moment, he has also put himself on the radar of expectations. The world will be watching him closely to see his next miracle!