Kenya’s undisputed queen of the track, Faith Kipyegon, has once again left the athletics world in awe, shattering her own world record in the women’s 1,500 meters at the prestigious Prefontaine Classic on Saturday.

The three-time Olympic champion blazed across the finish line in an astonishing 3 minutes, 48.68 seconds, further cementing her legendary status.

Kipyegon, a true icon and source of immense pride for Kenya, bettered her previous record of 3:49.04, which she set just last July before her incredible performances at the Paris Olympics.

The 31-year-old superstar, known for her powerful finishes, sprinted alone down the final stretch, roared on by a sellout crowd at Eugene’s Hayward Field.

Upon crossing the line, in a moment that tugged at every Kenyan’s heart, she draped herself proudly in the Kenyan flag, a symbol of her unparalleled achievements.

The race was a masterclass in middle-distance running. Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji put up a strong fight, finishing second in 3:51.44, while Australia’s Jessica Hull, the silver medalist behind Kipyegon at last year’s Olympics, secured third in 3:52.67.

A humble Kipyegon, ever the sportswoman, acknowledged the competitive field: “To be honest, the ladies are pushing me too because they are running quick now and I’m happy that when I broke a world record, they are all running very fast, and that is what I wanted, to motivate the younger generation to come and do even better.

For them to follow me, it feels so great that they are pushing me as well to break records.” Her words truly reflect the spirit of healthy competition and mentorship in Kenyan athletics.

This latest world record comes just a month after Kipyegon made a valiant, albeit unofficial, attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes.

She clocked an incredible 4:06.42 at the Nike-sponsored event at Stade Charléty in Paris – a time faster than her official mile world record of 4:07.64, though not formally recognized due to the unofficial nature of the event.

Reflecting on her recent training and incredible form, Kipyegon stated, “I think the changes were that I was preparing myself for something special, which was to run under four minutes in a mile and I think I pushed myself, getting better and better toward the 1,500, so I knew it was possible to still run under 3:49.”

This insight offers a glimpse into the dedication and strategic planning that goes into her unparalleled success.

Beyond her Olympic triumphs, Kipyegon has also dominated the 1,500m at the last three World Championships, solidifying her reign over the distance.

She also showcased her versatility last summer by securing a silver medal in the 5,000m at the Paris Olympics.

Faith Kipyegon continues to be a beacon of excellence and an inspiration for aspiring athletes across Kenya and the world.

Her relentless pursuit of records and her humble demeanour make her a true national treasure. We celebrate her incredible achievements and eagerly await her next conquest! Sources