Faith Kipyegon has yet again proven that she is one of the greatest athletes after bagging Kenya’s first gold medal in the women’s 1500m race at the ongoing World Athletic Championship in Eugene, Oregon.
Kipyegon, a two-time Olympic champ finished first after clocking 3:52.96 ahead of Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay who came in second at 3:54.52 for the silver method and British Laura Muir who clocked 3:55.28 for bronze at third position.
With this win, Kipyegon has reclaimed the world title she lost in 2019 to Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands who did not take part in this year’s 1500m race.
Apart from reclaiming her world title, Kipyegon also becomes the first female athlete to win four 1500m world titles.
Kipyegon’s win makes the fourth medal for Kenya at the Oregon World Championship after Helen Obiri and Margaret Chelimo put the country’s name on the medal scoreboard by winning the first silver and bronze in the women’s 10,000m race and Stanley Stanley Waithaka Mburu winning a silver medal in the men’s 10,000m race.
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The athlete was beside herself with joy after her victory and said she was optimistic she would win the race.
"I'm so grateful. I'm really happy I have won this race here in Oregon and it was really my target to win. I knew I was the best...and I was really looking forward to defend my title from 2017...yeah I have the flag of Kenya," Kipyegon said.
Her victory has gotten Kenyans elated, and they have taken to their social media accounts to congratulate their own.
Here are some of their reactions:
Congratulations faith kipyegon....we are happy county now
— ELIPHAS MAWIRA O MWOBI???????? (@EliphasmawiraM) July 19, 2022
Hongera kenya pic.twitter.com/ZqJktya1yj
Whenever you have troubles calls Faith.. she'll chase them away
— CRAZY KENNAR❁ (@SupremeGoat) July 19, 2022
Congratulations Faith Kipyegon for making us proud???????????? pic.twitter.com/ednsIw6QWK
Congratulations Faith Kipyegon
— Abdulahi Adan (@AbdulahiAdan10) July 19, 2022
She becomes the first woman in history to win 4 World championships medals. pic.twitter.com/Lp5UrXeycS
Congratulations Faith Kipyegon for winning our first gold medal in the 1500m finals at Oregon, USA, becoming the first female athlete to win four 1500m gold medals.
— Dr Boni Khalwale, CBS (@KBonimtetezi) July 19, 2022
U are now a legend. pic.twitter.com/LBfTtM6NOp
Well done, what a powerful finish by Faith Kipyegon to take the 1500 M Gold medal. Congratulations!
Keep running and keep inspiring our youth. #Oregon2022 pic.twitter.com/XBnVE6mNig