Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon has solidified her legacy as an iconic figure in distance running by achieving an extraordinary 1500m/5000m double at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest this Saturday.
Following her triumphant capture of a third-world 1500m title earlier in the week, Kipyegon showcased her mastery once more, this time in the 5,000m, seizing her second gold in the Hungarian capital.
With precision and composure, the 29-year-old runner strategically bided her time, unleashing an impeccably controlled final lap to secure victory in a time of 14 minutes 53.88 seconds. Dutch contender Sifan Hassan clinched silver with a timing of 14:54.11, while another Kenyan, Beatrice Chebet, secured the bronze in 14:54.33.
The Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay, reigning 10,000m world champion, initially surged into the lead, instantly splitting the field. Teammate Ejgayehu Taye took over the lead, with Kipyegon surrounded by fellow Kenyans and the East African powerhouses collaboratively fine-tuning their race strategies.
As the Ethiopian challenge subsided, Kipyegon and compatriot Lilian Kasait Rengeruk emerged at the front with eight laps to go. Meanwhile, Hassan maintained a slight distance from the rear.
Tsegay resumed the lead with four laps remaining, initiating another burst along the far straight, causing Hassan to distance herself from the trailing competitors.
As the bell signalled the final 400 meters, Hassan was on Kipyegon’s shoulder. Side by side, they surged ahead, pursued by Chebet, while the rest of the field struggled to match the pace of the frontrunners.
Approaching the home straight, Kipyegon unleashed a powerful kick, her gaze fixed on the sizable screen positioned just beyond the finish line. Her tenacity secured a resounding victory.
This triumph highlights Kipyegon’s commanding presence throughout the season, particularly notable as the field included six of the ten swiftest women in history.
As a two-time Olympic 1500m champion, Kipyegon’s achievements extend to this year’s setting of three world records in the 1500m, 5,000m, and mile events.
