Faith Kipyegon smashes World Record again

Faith Kipyegon crossing the finishing lane | Photo Credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto

i

Faith Kipyegon and Timothy Kitum among couples in Kenyan sports.

ATHLETICS Faith Kipyegon smashes World Record again

Shafic Kiyaga • 12:03 - 10.06.2023

Kipyegon shattered the previous world record of 14:06.62 set by Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey, the reigning world 10,000m champion.

Kenyan Faith Kipyegon etched her name in the record books once again, setting a second world record in just seven days.

This time, she triumphed in the women's 5,000m event at the Diamond League meeting in Paris, crossing the finish line in an astounding time of 14:05.20.

Kipyegon shattered the previous world record of 14:06.62 set by Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey, the reigning world 10,000m champion.

At the Florence Diamond League meeting last Friday Kipyegon set a world record when she ran 3:49.11 to break the 1,500 mark of 3:50.07 set by Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia in 2015.

After her remarkable achievement, a visibly emotional Kipyegon expressed her astonishment at her world-record-breaking performance.

She admitted, "No, I did not think about the world record, I do not know how I made it."

The Kenyan athlete shared her focus on the race, explaining, "I just focused on the green light and tried to stay relaxed and enjoy the race.”

“I just did the race and wanted to see what happens. When I saw that it was a world record, I was so surprised.”

“It was all about giving my best. I just wanted to improve on my personal best; the world record was not my plan," she added.

Throughout the race, Kipyegon benefited from the support of three pacesetters, including Beatrice Chepkoech, a fellow Kenyan and a world record holder in the 3,000m steeplechase.

Following the trackside lighting system that indicated world record pace, Kipyegon made her move, taking the lead with 700 meters remaining in the 12-and-a-half lap race.

Gidey, determined not to let Kipyegon escape, stayed on her heels as the Kenyan, a double world and Olympic champion in the 1500m, led the pack through the bell.

With the final 200 meters approaching, the Ethiopian launched a threatening surge, but Kipyegon showcased her exceptional speed, accelerating down the home straight in a display of distance running mastery.

Gidey secured second place with a time of 14:07.94, while Ejgayehu Taye, another Ethiopian and the current world record holder in the 5km distance, claimed third place with a time of 14:13.31.

Kipyegon's extraordinary achievement has left her contemplating her next move.

Initially scheduled to return to Kenya for a training camp and potentially target another record attempt over 1500m at the Monaco Diamond League meet on July 21, she now finds herself open to possibilities.

Overwhelmed with joy, she exclaimed, "I do not know what will be next; I still have to discuss it with my coach and my management.”

“I am so happy, I am very emotional right now and do not know what to say. If my body is healthy, anything is possible."

Faith Kipyegon's back-to-back world record performances have solidified her status as one of the greatest distance runners of her generation.