Unstoppable Faith Kipyegon sets sights on 1500m world record

Double Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon who is fresh from claiming the only Team Kenya gold at the ongoing World Athletics Championships is not resting on her laurels as she plans to break the 1500m world record.

Kipyegon touched down in the country on Thursday night from Oregon in the USA after claiming gold in the 1500m where she beat Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay in the final.

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After losing her world title back in 2019 to Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan, Kipyegon noted that she was motivated to reclaim her title in Oregon as he aims to break the 1500m world record.

“I was well prepared to run in Oregon and reclaim my title. In 2019 I lost to Sifan Hassan but thank God I won it back this year. I was well prepared and was not afraid of anyone – I knew I was going for the title." She said.

Faith, who is a double Olympic and World Champion is not resting on her laurels, not just yet. She is very eager to break the 1500m world record held by Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba after running an astounding time of 3:50.07 back in 2015 at the Louis II Stadium, Monaco. Kipyegon whose personal best time stands at 3:51.07 is already looking forward to the Diamond League that kicks off in a fortnight as she thanked Kenyans for the support she received in Oregon.

"I am so grateful and looking forward to becoming the Greatest of all Time in 1500m. My target is to now get the world record. The hard work will continues and I pray that I remain injury free and mentally strong. In the next two weeks, I'm going for the Diamond League in Monaco which is a very fast track and I'm looking forward to racing there for the second time," she said.

Faith, who is the only Kenyan to have won a gold so far in the ongoing World Athletics championships, believes all is not lost for Team Kenya in Oregon.

"Personally, I was running under a lot of pressure because I'm strongest in 1500m and that makes it even harder since everyone wants to beat you. It hasn't been easy for Team Kenya, most of the official therapists were not there while others arrived late. We however have medal chances in the in the 800 men and women and 5000m mens races. I'd like to thank you Kenyans for the support accorded to me - let us keep supporting team Kenya in Oregon," added Kipyegon.