Almaz Ayana Breaks World Record in Women's 10,000M at 2016 Rio Olympics

Ethiopian long-distance runner Almaz Ayana set a world record in the women's 10,000 meters Friday at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro with a final time of 29 minutes, 17.45 seconds. 

BBC Sport reported the new record, while Bleacher Report UK noted she bested the previous mark by 14 seconds. That time had stood since 1993, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

The women's 10,000 meters marked the first medal event in track and field at the 2016 Rio Games, and Ayana started it with a bang. She easily outpaced Kenya's Vivian Jepkemoi Cheruiyot (silver) and fellow Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba (bronze) for the top spot on the podium.

David Goldman/Associated Press

The 24-year-old rising star has enjoyed a steady ascent toward the worldwide spotlight with 5,000-meter victories at the 2014 African Championships and the 2015 World Championships.

Her status heading toward the Summer Olympics was a bit murky, though. She suffered a knee injury late last year and didn't return to competition until May. She talked about the setback as she prepared to return to action in Doha, Qatar, as noted on the IAAF Diamond League's official website.

"After Zurich I felt overload," Ayana said in May. "My left knee didn't stop hurting me and spoiled my whole preparation plan towards the 2016 season. I didn't do any races indoors or outdoors yet, so Doha will be my first."

There shouldn't be any lingering concerns with her knee; she came out flying in the 10,000-meter event, a race typically more focused on a steady pace, and she never looked back. Only six other runners finished within a minute of her time.

The ease of the victory suggests big things lie ahead for Ayana. She'll look to make another statement next Friday in the 5,000 meters, which previously yielded her most memorable results.