Ayanleh Souleiman started off his 2016 indoor season with a major statement when he won the 1K at Stockholm’s Globen Galen in a new indoor world record time of 2:14.20. 

Your new 1000m indoor world record holder Ayanleh Souleiman!! Time confirmed as 2:14.20 @Globengalan pic.twitter.com/dVan7Cwt8b

— IAAF (@iaaforg) February 17, 2016

The 2014 World Indoor Champion broke the previous world indoor record of 2:14.96 set by Denmark’s Wilson Kipketer in 2000. Souleiman ran right behind pacer Bram Som into the 600m mark for a split of 1:19.44, well on his way to a world record pace. Souleiman closed for a finishing time of 2:14.20, which was a full three seconds faster than runner-up finisher Thijmin Kupers of the Netherlands. 

Souleiman intended to break the world record prior to the IAAF indoor event when he told media at the pre-meet press conference that he believed he was capable. 

“I’m ready,” he said. “Now I want to get the world record. I can do it this time."

“After this I am going to the World Indoor Championships in Portland. I am not sure whether I will do the 3000m or the 1500m, but it will probably be the 1500m,” he said.