MONACO (AP) — The IAAF has ratified two world records set by Zersenay Tadese. The Eritrean runner broke both the 20K and half marathon records in Lisbon on March 21.

Tadese ran the half marathon in 58 minutes, 23 seconds, breaking Kenyan Samuel Kamau Wanjiru’s mark by 10 seconds. Tadese also completed 20K during the same race in 55:21, which beat the previous mark of 55:48 set by Ethiopia’s Haile Gebrselassie in 2006.

The IAAF also ratified a new world indoor record in the women’s 3,200 relay. A Russian quartet set a time of 8:12.41 in Moscow on Feb. 28.

Athletics

The 12th World Athletics Championships opened in Berlin on Saturday with approximately 2500 athletes from around 213 member associations.

Eritrea is taking part with 8 athletes in 4 disciplines – 10000 metres Tadese Zersenay, Medhin Teklemariam and Tadasse Kidane, in marathon Asmerom Yared, Mesfin Tesfayohannes and Kifle Yonas, in 5000 metres Medhin Teklemariam, Tadesse Kidane and Tsegay Samuel and in 1500 metres Welday Hais.

In the first discipline where Eritrean athletes competed Welday Hais reached 8th position in the men’s 1500 metre race, failing to qualify for the semi-finals on Monday. The women’s 10000 metre competition went to Linet Masai from Kenia winning against heavily favoured Ethiopians.

Earlier this year capitaleritrea was reporting about Filmon Ghirmai and his sports career. The 3000 metre steeplechase athlete with Eritrean origins could not qualify for the 12th World Athletics Championships in Berlin.