Faith Kipyegon has once again etched her name in the history books, breaking her own 1500 metres world record with a blistering time of 3:48.68 at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon. The Kenyan middle-distance sensation shaved 0.36 seconds off her previous best of 3:49.04, which she set in Florence in June 2023.
Running at Hayward Field during the prestigious Diamond League meet, Kipyegon took control of the race early, setting a steady pace before unleashing a powerful surge in the final 300 metres. Her calculated performance not only secured victory but also cemented her place as the most dominant force in women’s 1500m history.
Kipyegon now holds the three fastest times ever recorded in the 1500m and remains unbeaten in the event since 2021. Her remarkable consistency and ability to deliver on the big stage have made her a standout figure in global athletics. The Prefontaine Classic, a key fixture in the Diamond League calendar, has become a familiar and fruitful ground for her as she continues her build-up to the Olympic Games in Paris.
The performance was part of a historic evening for Kenyan athletics. Just hours before Kipyegon’s triumph, compatriot Beatrice Chebet delivered a stunning performance in the women’s 5000 metres, breaking the world record with a time of 13:58.06. Chebet became the first woman to run under 14 minutes in the event, eclipsing the previous record of 14:00.21 held by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay.
The double success by Kipyegon and Chebet marked a golden day for Kenya, showcasing the country’s continued strength in long and middle-distance running. Their achievements come at a critical time as athletes fine-tune their form ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games.
Kipyegon’s new world record not only underlines her supremacy but also sends a clear message to her rivals. With the Paris Olympics just weeks away, her current form makes her the overwhelming favourite to retain her Olympic crown. As she continues to push the limits of human performance, Kipyegon’s legacy as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history continues to grow.
Her latest feat adds to an already illustrious career that includes multiple world and Olympic titles. More importantly, it reinforces Kenya’s position as a powerhouse in athletics, particularly in the women’s ranks, where a new generation of stars is now rising to global prominence.
