Kenya’s triple world record holder Faith Kipyegon shook off stiff competition to hand the country the first gold medal in the women’s 1500m on Tuesday in the ongoing global show at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary.
This was Kipyegon's third world title, having won in London and Oregon in 2017 and 2022 respectively.
The two-time Olympic champion clocked 3:54.87 to win the race ahead of Ethiopia’s Diribe Werlteji, who took silver in 3:55.69.
The Netherlands' Sifan Hassan settled for bronze in 3:56.00 while another fast-rising Kenyan Nelly Chepchirchir was fifth in a personal best time of 3:57.90. Ireland's Clara Mageean placed fourth in 3:56.61
In an interview, Kipyegon who holds world records in 1500m (3:49.11), Mile (4:07.64), and 5,000m (14:05.20), described the race as competitive but noted that she was happy to have won Kenya the first gold.
She dedicated the gold medal to her coach Patrick Sang, noting that the tactician has done a lot to put her in the current shape.
Two-time Olympic champion said the battle continues as she embarks on the women’s 5,000m journey on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Abraham Kibiwott won the bronze in the men's 3000m steeplechase despite stumbling on the barrier at the beginning of the final lap.
Abraham Kibiwott clocked 8:11.98 to place third behind gold medallist Soufiane El Bakkali (8:03.53) and Ethiopia's Lamecha Girma took silver in 8:05.44. Leonard Bett took the fourth position as Simon Koech was seventh in 8:14.37. Kenya now has three medals—gold, silver, and bronze.
