Faith Kipyegon going for world record after Oregon exploits
World 1500 metres champion Faith Kipyegon aims to break the world record in the distance after successfully recapturing the world crown in Oregon two days ago.
As of Friday, Kipyegon was the only gold medalist from the Kenyan team that is at the World Championships and that motivation has made her believe that it is now time to go for the world record.
Kipyegon tore the field apart as she raced to victory in the 1500m final to claim gold in a time of 3:52.96.
Kipyegon,28, became the first woman to win medals in four consecutive World Championships and this fete added to the two Olympics medals won in Rio 2016 and Tokyo last year.
“I am now looking forward to getting the World Record and I will work hard and pray to have that strength to achieve it, plus also remain injury free. I can’t promise when but I will work hard, stay mentally strong and focus on it,” Kipyegon said on Friday morning.
“It’s really special to be called GOAT in women’s 1,500m, being the first woman to achieve a double at the Olympics and World Championship. I want to fully cement that with a World Record,” she said.
Kipyegon will not be participating in the Commonwealth Games that begin next week in Birmingham but will instead prepare for the Monaco Diamond that takes place on August 10.
The double Olympic and World champion was given a grand reception as she jetted back home with friends, family and fans gathering to give her a massive welcome back home at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
“I want to say a big thank you for the warm welcome. I am so grateful. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting it but I am really excited,” Kipyegon said.
