Ethiopian Duo Gemechu Godana and Tsige Duguma Deliver Record-Breaking Diamond League Wins in Silesia

Addis Ababa, August 23, 2026 (FMC) — #Ethiopia’s Gemechu Godana and Tsige Duguma delivered standout performances at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Silesia on Sunday, with both athletes producing record-breaking times to win the men’s 3000m steeplechase and women’s 1500m respectively.

Godana stunned Olympic and world champion Soufiane El Bakkali in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, surging past the Moroccan in the final 250 metres to win in a personal best of 8:02.74.

El Bakkali appeared to be in control heading into the final lap, but the young Ethiopian produced a decisive late charge, passing the Moroccan before the final bend and powering down the home straight to secure victory.

Godana’s performance also broke El Bakkali’s meeting record in Silesia. El Bakkali finished second in 8:04.61, while compatriot Salah Eddine Ben Yazide took third in 8:05.08.

Duguma then delivered another major Ethiopian victory in the women’s 1500m, producing a remarkable late surge to win in a world-leading 3:55.06, also a lifetime best.

The Ethiopian moved decisively in the final 100 metres, chasing down Australia’s Jessica Hull after Hull and Kenya’s Dorcus Ewoi had appeared to hold the advantage entering the final bend.

Hull finished second in 3:55.20, followed by Ewoi in 3:55.58. Poland’s Klaudia Kazimierska placed fourth in 3:55.59, setting a national record.

The two victories give Ethiopia a particularly strong showing at the Silesia Diamond League meeting, with Godana and Duguma combining personal-best performances with major victories on one of athletics’ premier international stages.