Faith Kipyegon once again proved why she is regarded as the greatest middle-distance runner of all time, storming to victory in the women’s 1500m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The three-time Olympic champion clocked 3:52.15 to secure her fourth world title over the distance, extending her unmatched dominance on the global stage.
Kenya celebrated a double podium finish after Dorcus Ewoi delivered a breakthrough performance to take silver in a personal best of 3:54.92.
Rising star Nelly Chepchirchir narrowly missed out on bronze, finishing fourth in 3:55.26, just milliseconds behind Australia’s Jessica Hull, who clinched third in 3:55.16.
The gold marked Kenya’s third top medal of the championships, following Beatrice Chebet’s 10,000m triumph and Peres Jepchirchir’s dramatic victory in the women’s marathon.
A Career of Consistency and Greatness
Notably, Kipyegon’s latest triumph came on the same Tokyo track where she claimed Olympic gold in 2021, underscoring her consistency at the highest level.
“She’s one of the best our sport has ever known; unequivocally, the finest 1500m runner in history — male or female,” one commentator declared after the race.
Chebet, who had opened Kenya’s gold rush earlier in the week, was seen in tears as she celebrated Kipyegon’s victory.
National Pride and Reward
Under the government’s new rewards scheme, Kipyegon will pocket Sh3 million for her gold medal, while Ewoi will receive Sh2 million for silver.
The performances highlight Kenya’s enduring dominance in middle-distance running, while signalling the rise of a new generation poised to carry the baton alongside established legends like Kipyegon.