Faith Kipyegon fires 'strong' message to Ethiopian rivals ahead of 2024 season

ATHLETICS Faith Kipyegon fires 'strong' message to Ethiopian rivals ahead of 2024 season

Abigael Wafula 08:02 - 13.10.2023

Ethiopians have given Team Kenya a nightmare in the 2023 track season and Faith Kipyegon has a message for them ahead of the Olympic season.

Double world champion Faith Kipyegon has sent a strong message for her Ethiopian rivals ahead of the 2024 season.

Kipyegon, 29, tasted her first and only loss to Ethiopian youngsters Diribe Welteji and Freweyni Hailu at the World Road Running Championships to end her season. Her 5000m world record was also shattered by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay at the Prefontaine Classic.

Kipyegon had set the 5000m world record in June at the Diamond League Meeting in Paris, France before that time was lowered by Tsegay.

However, the double world champion remains confident that Kenyans will rule next season and the world record will certainly have to return to the country.

Speaking on Jeff Kionange Live, Kipyegon said: “This is sports…and I just tell them (Ethiopians) that we are strong and we shall keep up.

"We shall always try to ensure that the Kenyan flag is always at the forefront. I broke the 5000m world record in Paris and then Tsegay broke it at the Prefontaine Classic.

"But next year is another year and we look forward to bringing the world record back home.”

The two-time Olympic champion is not resting on her laurels as she looks to bag her third Olympic title in the 1500m.

“My big fish is winning the third gold medal in the 1500m. If I win three times it will motivate the young generation and motivate me also. It will be a legacy that I have left behind,” she said, adding that she is also eyeing to win her fifth Diamond League Trophy.

Tags: