Kipyegon, 29, has won every title in the three and three-quarter laps race including smashing the world record and on Tuesday she claimed her third world title after defending the gold medal, downing Sifan Hassan of the Netherland who settled for bronze while Ethiopia’s Deribe Welteji clinched silver.
Many would have thought she would quit track and transit to Marathon just like Hellen Obiri, and Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia but speaking to Capital Sport from Budapest, Hungary during the World Championships, Kipyegon was coy, only confirming that she will be in the Paris Olympics.
If she heads to Paris and wins gold, she will become the first woman to win three consecutive Olympics titles.
“I don’t know if this is my last World Championships, I can’t tell because it’s all about what I can still do. I can’t limit myself in what I can still do in the future, for me, I’m looking forward to the Olympics 2024 in Paris,” Kipyegon, who holds a world record of 3:49.11, said.
At the Budapest World Championships, Kipyegon was in the company of compatriot Nelly Chepchirchir, who was making her debut in the global showpiece, finishing fifth in a Personal Best time of 3:57.90.
Kipyegon heaped praises on the 20-year-old, describing her as the future of the 1500m race.
“Nelly is an amazing girl, she is coming up in a nice way and we hope after transit to 5,000m, she will be the one to take over the 1,500m. I hope I’ve inspired many, especially back at home, to know that everything is possible, I am a living testimony; going to maternity leave and coming back and be stronger than before,” Kipyegon, who also holds the women’s 5000m stated.
She added, “Defending my 1500m title is amazing, as I say, that is my big fish, so I’m so grateful. I dedicate this gold to my coach Patrick Sang, he is an amazing coach, he told me to run my race, go in front and enjoy myself and execute as much as possible.”
-Nelly upbeat in seniors-
On her part, Chepchirchir said she is proud of herself especially after reaching the final on her debut.
“I had not met Faith (Kipyegon) before until today, I am so grateful to compete alongside her, she is a legend and I am following in her footsteps,” Chepchirchir said.
Kipyegon thanked Kenyans for always rallying behind her;
“Just to say, thank you for the prayers, thank you for the wishes. I saw on social media it was all about Faith bringing the gold back home.”
