Kipketer’s 800-Meter Time Ties Track’s Oldest World Record

Not even a “phenomenally good run” could wipe out track’s oldest record, although Wilson Kipketer came as close as could be to finally erasing Sebastian Coe’s name.

Kipketer won the 800 meters at the DN Galan Grand Prix meet Monday in 1 minute, 41.73 seconds, matching the mark Coe set back in 1981.

When Kipketer finished his 800, the clock showed 1:41.74, but the time later was adjusted to 1:41.73 when he was halfway through his victory lap.

“They’ve talked so much about my chances of breaking the record and now I can relax,” Kipketer said.

Carl Lewis anchored the Santa Monica Track Club to an Olympic Stadium record of 38.32 in the 400-meter relay, the meet’s last event. It also was the fastest time in the world this year.

Earlier, Moses Kiptanui missed the world 3,000-meter steeplechase record by less than 3 seconds in leading a Kenyan sweep of the top five places.

Ato Boldon of Trinidad recorded the fastest time of the year in the 200, 19.82, in beating Maurice Greene, the U.S. 100-meter champion. Boldon took the 100 in a stadium-record 9.95 to Greene’s 10.01.

Marion Jones, the U.S. champion in the women’s 100 and long jump, won the 200 in 22.16.