Meseret Defar delivered the second fastest race in history over 5 000 metres at the 42nd DN Galan, Tuesday July 22, 2008. 15 511 spectators voiced their enthusiasm as the diminutive Ethiopian, (155cm and 42 kilos) tried her best to beat the world record. After an unbelievable last lap in 60 seconds, she fell short by 1.73 seconds, but the time 14:12.88 was a new Stadium record.
- Today my feelings were good and I had a very nice time during the race because everyone at the Stadium supported me. Thank you!
The eyes of the world were watching the duel in the 100 metres between the new world record holder Usain Bolt and the former record holder Asafa Powell. Asafa got a great start and won in 9.88, one hundredth of a second to Usain. DN Galan was the only meeting between the Jamaicans in Europe.
Winners of 1-carat diamonds for Stadium records were:
Abubaker Kaki Khamis, Sudan, (1 000m – 2:13.93)
Dayron Robles, Cuba, (110m hurdles – 12.91)
Meseret Defar, Ethiopia, (5 000m – 14:12.88)
Yelena Isinbayeva, Russia, (pole vault – 4.85)

Honorary guests Tommie Smith and John Carlos whos quiet protest in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City echoed all over the world, were welcomed with standing ovations.
Kajsa Bergqvist, the first DN Galan ambassador was celebrated for her fantastic career by, among other things a jump in unison by the spectators!
The national anthem was performed by Wei Wei and Rongedal together with singers from Adolf Fredriks children’s choir. The Chinese superstar also treated fans to a concert that included DN Galan’s song “Moment of Thruth” and the Olympic song “Follow the Dream”.