Jimmy Gressier Breaks French 5000m Record at Paris Diamond League

Paris, June 20, 2025 – In front of an electric home crowd at the Wanda Diamond League Meeting de Paris, Jimmy Gressier delivered the race of his life. The 28-year-old French distance star shattered his own national record in the 5000m, crossing the line in 12:51.59 to finish fourth in a stacked international field.

This performance not only marked a personal best for Gressier, but also cemented his place among the world’s elite, as one of only a handful of Europeans to run under 12:52 in the event.

“I might not be at 100%, but I didn’t want to miss out on being part of the celebration,” Gressier said before the race. That mindset paid off.

Racing Against the Best in the World

The race was won by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who clocked 12:47.84, followed closely by America’s Graham Blanks in 12:48.16 and Kenya’s Jacob Krop in 12:49.71. Gressier held his own against the top-tier field, surging in the final laps to break his previous French record of 12:54.92 (set indoors in 2024) by more than three seconds.

His fourth-place finish came with style and grit, as he crossed the line visibly elated, later holding up a large sign reading “National Record” to the roaring approval of the French fans at Stade Charléty.

A Milestone on the Road to Tokyo

Gressier’s record-setting run is a timely confidence boost ahead of the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. A consistent performer on the European road and cross-country circuits, he now proves he can contend with the world’s best on the track as well.

Already the European 5 km road record holder and a multi-time national champion, Gressier is building one of the most versatile résumés in distance running today. His strength across surfaces and distances—from indoor tracks to rolling road courses—positions him as a serious contender for a medal on the global stage.

“Breaking the national record by over three seconds against this level of competition shows I’m on the right path,” Gressier said after the race.

What’s Next for Gressier?

With this new national record under his belt, Gressier’s focus now shifts to Tokyo, where the French star hopes to translate his breakthrough into a podium finish. He remains committed to a robust training block under longtime coach Dinielle Arnaud, with fine-tuning to be done before the biggest race of his life.

The Rise of French Distance Running

Gressier’s performance isn’t just personal—it’s symbolic. For French athletics, his record represents a resurgence in elite distance running. With Paris having hosted the Olympics just a year earlier, the momentum behind the sport in France is real. Gressier’s run serves as inspiration to a new generation of French runners aiming to follow in his fast footsteps.

Jimmy Gressier’s 12:51.59 at the 2025 Paris Diamond League is more than a national record—it’s a bold message to the world. He’s not just running with the best—he’s becoming one of them.

posted Saturday June 21st
by Boris Baron