M. KisengeMagnificent Faith Kipyegon open to chase double glory at the Worlds after sealing 5000m slot
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 07.07.23. | 16:32
She has a wild card in the 1500m
Record holder Faith Kipyegon was in a class of her own after displaying a seamless stroll in the 5000m World Athletics Championships trials at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.
Kipyegon, who has a 1500m wild card clocked 14:05.02 to win the race ahead of 2017 World Cross Country bronze medalist Lilian Kasait who timed 14:23.05.
The 2019 world silver medalist over the distance Margaret Kipkemboi settled for third place after stopping the clock in 15:07.49.
Kipyegon joins World silver medalist Beatrice Chebet in sealing slots in Team Kenya to Budapest as the latter has a wild card by virtue of being the Diamond League champion.
Chebet, who dominated in the Stockholm Diamond League last Sunday did not participate in the trials.
Kipyegon who remains open to chasing double glory in Budapest next month said her sights were trained on defending her 1500m title in the global event.
"I was targeting to run good times in the trials. I am looking forward to the World Championships where I want to defend my title. That is my biggest target in the season. I had a number of targets in the season including breaking the records. I am done with one and now I am focused on defending the title," she said.
The Olympic 1500m champion revealed that racing in her speciality and the 5000m was part of her early preparations for the Paris Olympics where she intends to double.
"My major target is to double in the 2024 Olympics. I might also go for double glory in Budapest," she stated.
Kasait said racing with the record-breaking Kipyegon in the trials was a source of motivation even as she hopes to work on her speed heading to Budapest.
