Jessica Hull obliterates 2000m world record, puts world on notice

Australian track star Jessica Hull has put her opponents on notice after rewriting the record books with a blistering display in Monaco.

Australian track star Jessica Hull has put her opponents on notice after rewriting the record books with a blistering display in Monaco on Saturday (AEST).

Hull, 27, showed why she’s considered an Olympic medal contender by obliterating the 2000m world record during a Diamond League meet.

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A week after she became the fifth fastest woman in history over 1500m, Hull went one better as she scorched her way around the track to cross the line in 5:19.70 – winning the event by a margin of over six seconds.

Her time blew the previous world record of 5:21.56 out of the water. She also lowered the Australian record, held by Benita Willis, by an absurd 18 seconds with the previous mark being 5:37.71.

Watch Hulls’ world record setting run in the video player above

“It is amazing to be called a world record-holder now. I am running so fast now because I have been healthy for four years and have a really strong body now,” Hull said.

“It was incredible. When I was on my own on the last lap, everyone was cheering for me.

“I was just looking at the lights, hoping they wouldn’t catch me.

“I definitely felt the Paris race all week in my legs. So today the goal was just to be strong, even if my legs were very heavy. I ran at a different pace and level of fatigue that I have never been at before.

“There are for sure some women who can run that 5:19, but for now I have my place in the history books. I ran hard for this record, I worked extremely hard for this.”

Hull poses with her WR time. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP)

Hull was running in a league of her own as Melissa Courtney-Bryant took second place in a time of 5:26.08, the Australian declared herself ready for the Olympic Games with a world record in the final race of her preparation.

“It’s all really new to me. When the start list came out, I thought that if I want to be a contender at the Olympics then this is a race that I can probably win. To think about winning the Monaco Diamond League is crazy,” Hull said.

“That world record was achievable and there’s a lot of women I compete with that can run that in their best shape. It’s going to get lowered again, 5:19 is by no means out of reach, but for this little bit of time – I’m excited to watch people chase it.”

Jess Hull is in the form of her life ahead of the Olympics. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

The run from Hull left jaws on the floor across the athletics world as social media lit up in the wake of her record setting achievment.

Legendary athletics commentator David Culbert wrote: “Jess Hull rewriting all sorts of record books in the last week. World record in the 2,000m in Monaco. Great stat below re it being 100 years since Australia’s first world record. Nick Winter in the triple jump at the Paris Olympics. Our first field event gold medallist.”

Sports commentator Tim Rosen wrote: “2000m World Record for Jess Hull caps off a remarkable week for her. We have never won a medal in the women’s 1500m.”

AthsStats posted: “Jess Hull smashes 2000m world record by nearly 2 seconds running 5:19.70. 100 years to the day since Nick Winter became first Australian to break an athletics World Record. Jess Hull ... you are amazing!”

One user wrote: “Jess Hull is on FIRE! 5:19.70 2k is insane … my god.”

A second added: “Holy sh*t. Jess Hull is having the week of her life!”

Hull has been building her Olympics campaign nicely in recent years after finishing seventh in the final at last year’s world titles.

But after her world record setting run, she’ll now head to Paris as one of the favourites to win a medal.

Originally published as Jessica Hull obliterates 2000m world record, puts world on notice