IAAF reports 21 world records set in 2018

The IAAF took a look back at their ratified world records from 2018, and there were a shocking 21 records set in the past calendar year. The IAAF reports that between February and October there was at least one world record set every month. That’s an exciting statistic for the sport of running. 

RELATED: Top 10 Canadian performances from 2018

Most runners are aware of the marathon world record set by Eliud Kipchoge at the 2018 Berlin Marathon, but there are several other very impressive records that went a little less noticed. 

I’m going to leave this here pic.twitter.com/zJsy4ljKOD

— Sydney McLaughlin (@GoSydGo) November 29, 2018

Sydney McLaughlin of Dunellen, New Jersey opened her 2018 outdoor season with a U20 400m hurdles world record. The sprinter is estimated to become one of the highest paid runners in the world in 2019. Her immense talent combined with her social media following makes her one of the most influential runners racing currently.

RELATED: Top Canadian results from the 2018 IAAF World Half-Marathon Championships

Netsanet Gudeta Kebede of Ethiopia set the women’s only half-marathon world record at the IAAF World Half-Marathon championships in Valencia. Gudeta Kebede was the bronze medallist at the 2015 IAAF Cross-Country Championships. 

That’s what a decathlon world record looks like. pic.twitter.com/CitxjRfTjB

— FloTrack (@FloTrack) October 9, 2018

Kevin Mayer of France set the men’s decathlon world record at Gotzis just moments after Kipchoge’s marathon world record. Mayer had a stunning performance worthy of the spotlight as much as Kipchoge, but the timing of his record meant that his performance was slightly overshadowed.

RELATED: Camille Herron breaks 24-hour WR and US 100-mile record at Desert Solstice

Nao Kazami broke, according to the IAAF, the longest-standing record. Kazami of Japan broke the 100K world record in June by a shocking four minutes. His result is from the 33rd Lake Saroma 100 km Ultramarathon.