European silver medallist makes history as Nico Young also finds record-breaking form in memorable Bislett Games showdown
George Mills summed it up well. “I like to run brave,” he said, minutes after having destroyed the British 5000m record at the Bislett Games in Oslo.
The European silver medallist was fourth in a race won by the USA’s Nico Young in a personal best of 12:45.27 that was also an American outdoor record, and Mills’ run of 12:46.59 well and truly eclipsed Mo Farah’s national mark of 12.53.11 that had stood since 2011.
Going into this race, Mills had sat fourth on the UK all-time rankings with the 12:58.68 he set indoors last year but he forced the issue in a top class field which also brought personal bests out of the Ethiopian duo of Biniam Mehary (12:45.93) and Kuma Girma (12:46.41), who were second and third respectively.
Their compatriot Hago Gebrhiwet, who just missed out on Joshua Cheptegei’s world record of 12:35.36 at this meeting last year, was fifth this time with 12:46.82.
“The national record was definitely one of the things I came for,” said Mills, who came incredibly close to Mohamed Katir’s European record of 12:45.01. “I did not get the other two – the European record and the win but I was close to both and taking 12 seconds off my personal best, so I am delighted with that.”
Mills was content to bide his time but began to force the pace when he hit the front with 1000m to go.
“I felt I took the race on well, being patient and building momentum which was my focus tonight. My team has drummed this into me and I kept saying it to myself especially at the start when I didn’t feel so good but I got more and more into the race and had the courage to take it on and be aggressive.
“I am pleased with that and having the courage to do that. I like to assert myself on races. So that’s what I was able to do.
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“The race was stacked and billed as a world record attempt so to be in the mix was important. I head to Stockholm now for a 1500m which is also going to be tough in a strong field but this is all good preparation for the World Champs.
“I now have the [qualifiying] standard so I can relax a little. My target for the season is a global medal and this shows I am in the right space.”
