Athletics: World records for Jepchirchir and Charlton ratified

The world records set earlier this year by Bahamian hurdler Devynne Charlton and Kenyan long-distance runner Peres Jepchirchir have now been ratified by World Athletics.

Charlton lowered the 60m hurdles world record to 7.65 seconds on March 3 in Glasgow, Scotland.

She broke the world record and secured her first global title at the World Athletics Indoor Championships.

Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir rewrote the record book as she ran 2:16:16 to improve the women-only world marathon record by 45 seconds at the London Marathon.

The 28-year-old sprinter had previously shared the world record of 7.67 with Tia Jones of the United States. 

“This means a whole lot because I have set myself goals,” Charlton said after improving the record by another 0.02 in Glasgow. 

“I have not changed my technique much – just a few tweaks – but I have been working hard off the track, making sure my mental health is good and working with a sports psychologist.

“Just taking care of myself. Indoors really plays well to my skillset too.”

Devynne Charlton broke the world record and secured her first global title at the World Athletics Indoor Championships.

On April 21 this year, Kenya’s Jepchirchir also rewrote the record book as she ran 2:16:16 to improve the women-only world marathon record by 45 seconds at the London Marathon.

With a rich field of star marathoners, Mary Keitany’s women-only world record of 2:17:01 was the big target.

At the end of the gruelling race, Jepchirchir beat it, clocking 2:16:16. 

She finished seven seconds ahead of Ethiopia's Tigist Assefa.

Kenya's Joyciline Jepkosgei (2:16:24) and Ethiopia's Megertu Alemu(2:16:34) ensured that it was the first marathon in which four women finished inside 2:17.