Keep the Faith. Kenyan Faith Kipyegon signed one of the highlights of the world athletics championships in Budapest, winning world gold in the 1,500m for the third time in her career. Currently best runner in the world, the 29-year-old athlete is on cloud nine in 2023, and continues to fill a hearty list. “I was running after history today, and I succeeded,” appreciated the one who is now the only one to have three world titles over the distance.
After her titles in 2017 and 2022, but also silver in 2015 and 2019, plus two Olympic titles in 2016 and 2021, the Kenyan has further enriched her collection in Hungary. Obviously after having seized the world records for the 1,500 m (3’49”11), the 5,000 m (14’05”20) and the mile (4’07”64) this year. Without seeming to force, she set a steady pace then gradually accelerated, no one being able to follow her on the last lap, to cut the line in 3’54”87, far ahead of her Ethiopian runner-up Diribe Welteji, who confirms at 21. his great talent with a first international podium.
Reunion with Sifan Hassan on the 5,000m
Faith Kipyegon, from Chebaraa, in central Kenya, put her career on hold to give birth to her daughter Alyn in June 2018, then return to the top. “I know what women go through after maternity leave. They think it’s the end of their life. I want to prove them wrong,” she explained in June at her Kaptagat training camp, where she runs with marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge. There was no duel with her Dutch rival Sifan Hassan, who remained at the back of the group for most of the race, but still managed to fight for bronze.
A nice consolation prize for her after the cruel end of the 10,000m on Saturday, when she fell a few meters from the finish, while she was fighting for the title. “Only a few weeks ago, I was staying on my marathon [victoire à Londres en avril à son premier essai] and I was struggling to regain my speed. We considered with my coach not to do the 1,500 m. I never imagined winning a medal there,” said Sifan Hassan on Tuesday evening. The two champions will meet again in the 5,000m, where Faith Kipyegon will be the huge favourite. The series, initially scheduled for this Wednesday at the end of the morning, were moved to the start of the evening by World Athletics, faced with the stifling weather conditions in Budapest (around 35 degrees).