Faith Kipyegon reveals why she used to run barefoot
Olympic and World 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon stands out as a remarkable athlete who started her journey to glory running barefoot.
The Kenyan sensation recently revealed the story behind her early barefoot running days, a testament to her tenacity and love for the sport.
Faith Kipyegon in 2011
Kipyegon's incredible journey began to take shape in 2011 when she sprinted to victory in the IAAF World Cross Country Championships junior women's event at Punta Umbria, barefooted.
Her penchant for running without shoes extended to other events, and Kipyegon proudly reminisces about those days, attributing her comfort and freedom of movement to her barefoot style. 
Speaking to CNN, Kipyegon expressed her pride in her humble beginnings, acknowledging the amazing accomplishments she has achieved since then.
She fondly remembered how she received a pair of beautiful spikes from her manager, but as a young girl, she felt more at ease and ran more freely without them. Her barefoot approach didn't hinder her determination; instead, it laid the foundation for her illustrious career.
"I am proud of running barefoot because of what amazing things I have achieved now," she said.
Faith Kipyegon's feelings
"I was running barefoot because I was feeling comfortable. I told my manager 'Thank you for these beautiful spikes' but I did not know how to use them, I was a young girl and when I ran barefooted I felt comfortable and ran freely," she noted.
Kipyegon's motivation goes beyond personal accolades. She revealed that her daughter played a significant role in pushing her to win the Olympic Gold medal, dedicating her victory to her daughter's heartfelt request. 
The special moment of triumph at the Tokyo Olympics holds immense sentimental value for Kipyegon, as it served as a beautiful dedication to her daughter's wishes.
"It was amazing winning the Tokyo Olympics medal as Mum was really special for me and for my daughter. She knew what I was going for and she told me to bring that gold medal and dedicate it to me. I went ran and won the gold and dedicated it to her," she revealed.
Looking ahead, the talented athlete aspires to leave a lasting legacy by empowering women and motivating young girls to believe that sports can indeed become a profession. Kipyegon aims to be an inspiration, encouraging young females to embrace sports as a pathway to success.
"I want to leave a legacy by empowering women and being a motivation to young girls. I want to be an inspiration and make them know that sports can be a profession," she stated.
Breaking record 1500m
The 1,500m world record was a goal Kipyegon pursued relentlessly. Despite previous attempts, she never lost hope and remained steadfast in her focus. Her hard work and determination culminated in her breaking the record in 2023, a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft.
"Breaking 1,500m is something I tried last year but I didn’t lose hope. I still had my head held up and knew in my mind that one day, one time the world record will be there. I just focused, waking up in the morning, pushing myself to the limit knowing that 2023 would be possible and I am grateful,' she said. 
The world now acknowledges Kipyegon as a superhuman, a title she modestly accepts. Embracing the moniker, she is motivated to continue pushing her limits and working hard to maintain her extraordinary status as an athlete.
"People say I am superhuman and I just laugh. it motivates me because not many people are superhuman but I am and I work hard to be a superhuman," she said.
Recently, Kipyegon shattered yet another world record at the EBS Herculis Meeting in Monaco, clocking a breathtaking 4:07.64 in the mile.
Kipyegon achieved two world records in eight days a few months ago. Running 3:49.11 for the 1500m in Florence and 14:05.20 for the 5000m in Paris, she showcased her unmatched abilities on the track.
