(March 3, 2024) – Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma pulled off an upset over hometown favorite Jemma Reekie of Great Britain to win gold in the women’s 800-meter final on the last day of the 2024 World Indoor Championships in Glasgow.
Duguma, a former 400m specialist, moved up to the 800m in recent years and her decision paid off as she claimed her first global senior title. The Ethiopian was strong over the final 200 meters to finish in a time of 2:01.90, a new personal best.
Reekie settled for silver in front of the home crowd as she was unable to match Duguma’s speed over the final lap. The Briton finished just under three-quarters of a second behind Duguma in 2:02.72.
And it was all smiles for the 23-year-old Ethiopian who has just grabbed her seasonal best.
Duguma’s winning time was quick, especially considering her background as a 400m runner. The Ethiopian looks poised to become a force in the 800m globally after her breakthrough performance.
The r 2024 World Indoor Championships ended on Sunday with several surprise winners and fast times throughout the four days of competition in Glasgow.