Olympic and World 1500m Champion Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon has broken her own 1500m at the paris Diamond League.
Kipyefgon,a double Olympic 1500m champion shaved off 0.07 seconds from her record she set in Florence Italy last year after winning her race in 3 minutes 49.04 seconds.
Previous record which stood at 3.50.07 was held by Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba which she had set in July 2015.
“It feels amazing to break the world record. I am in the right direction towards the Paris Olympics,” Kipyegon said.
“I have come from far because of the injury and recovering. After the trials I knew that I was in world record shape. I have run the quickest time in Kenya with the altitude.
“It showed me that I was capable of breaking the world record again. We just tried, because everything is possible.”
Australian Jessica Hull ran an Oceania record of 3:50.83 for second, while Britain’s Laura Muir rounded out the podium in a national record of 3:53.79 as the top eight athletes all set personal bests.
“Jessica was really good. I felt that she was behind me and I had to be careful because you never know if something can happen. But I just relaxed and ran my race,” said Kipyegon.
“I knew that she is strong because she has broken the area record many times. The crowd was really cheerful, that was why the energy was so strong, it is really pushing us towards the finish line.
“With my injury I was really scared because I didn’t know if I was going to make it. But I took my time and trusted my team and stayed out of competition for long.
“I will absolutely do the double in Paris, in the 1500m and 5000m!”
President Ruto salutes Faith’s Record
Kenyan President William Ruto was among key Kenyan figures who led the nation in celebrating the new feat by the 30-year old athlete.
On his X- account President Ruto wrote: Faith Kipyegon has once again made history. Congratulations on breaking your own record in the 1500m race. Your victory is a testament to the rewards of hard work and determination, a valuable lesson to the aspiring young athletes who look up to you.
Azimio Leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also recognized Kipyegon’s achievement through his X account noting;
‘’Faith Kipyegon, your great feat of breaking your own Women’s 1500m world record in Paris is truly motivating. Your dedication and passion power the ambitions of Kenya’s athletes and youth. Keep running and shining!’’.
