Kenyan athlete Faith Kipyegon is unstoppable! Just over a month after breaking two World Records within a week, the double World and Olympic 1500m champion has smashed yet another mark, this time lowering the 1-mile world record to an astonishing 4:07.64 at the Monaco Diamond League on Friday night.
Kipyegon’s remarkable performance saw her shave nearly five seconds off the previous mark of 4:12.33, making her the first woman to ever dip below the 4:10 mark in the 1-mile distance, which is slightly longer than the traditional 1500m race.
The race was a breathtaking display of talent and determination, with all 12 other finishers achieving their personal best times. Notably, three national records were set, and three other Area Records were also achieved.
From the start, Kipyegon asserted her dominance, sticking to the pace setters in the opening two laps of the four-lap race. Kristie Schoffield and Uganda’s Winnie Nanyondo were tasked with ensuring a steady pace, with the wave light technology providing real-time feedback on the record pace.
By the end of the second lap, Kipyegon had already created a substantial gap between herself and the rest of the pack, setting the stage for a remarkable race against the clock. With just 500m left, Nanyondo dropped off, leaving Kipyegon in a fierce battle with the wave light technology.
At the bell, Kipyegon was well within striking distance of the world record, and as she hit the penultimate bend, it was clear that another historic moment was within her grasp.
In true Kipyegon fashion, she powered through the home stretch, running well within the world record time, and claiming yet another incredible achievement for her illustrious career.
The win in Monaco is a tremendous confidence boost for the mother-of-one as she prepares to compete for a third consecutive World Championships title in Budapest next month.
With her current form and unstoppable momentum, Kipyegon is undoubtedly one of the biggest names to watch in the world of athletics. Her remarkable performances continue to inspire and showcase the brilliance of Kenyan athletes on the global stage.