World Athletics Championships: Faith Kipyegon Makes History, Wins Women’s 1,500m Gold For…

Faith Kipyegon won her fourth world women’s 1,500m title (AP)

Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon showcased her signature last-lap prowess to secure an unprecedented fourth world women’s 1,500 meters title in Tokyo on Tuesday.

The three-time Olympic champion clocked 3 minutes 52.15 seconds, adding yet another gold to her impressive collection, cementing her status among the elite middle-distance runners.

What Is The Record?

Kipyegon’s fourth world title equals the record held by Hicham El Guerrouj, the Moroccan who dominated the men’s event from 1997 to 2003.

Her teammate Dorcus Ewoi claimed silver with a time of 3:54.92, while Australian Jessica Hull took bronze in 3:55.16.

Kipyegon led from the start in a gun-to-tape performance, with the 31-year-old maintaining her lead throughout the race.

With two laps remaining, Kipyegon, followed by Hull and Chepchirchir, increased the pace, causing the pack to spread out.

As Kipyegon led them through the bell for the final lap, spectators at the National Stadium stood in anticipation.

A burst of speed down the back straight widened the gap between Kipyegon and her competitors, who struggled to keep up as she surged ahead into the home straight.

Crossing the line with arms raised, it was another routine victory for Kipyegon. Ewoi managed to outpace Chepchirchir and Hull in a final sprint for silver.

Hull, who won Olympic silver in Paris last year, narrowly edged out the third Kenyan for bronze.

Hull’s performance was a slight redemption after narrowly losing this year’s Diamond League final in Zurich to Chepchirchir, who also triumphed in Diamond League meetings in Doha, Rabat, Paris, and Monaco during a stellar season.

“Even though I missed a medal, I ran a personal best. This has been a great season,” said the magnanimous 22-year-old Chepchirchir.

“There’s nothing to regret. I am honoured to be on the same team with Faith Kipyegon. She is a very humble lady. She inspires and motivates us to do our best.”

(With inputs from AFP)