Faith Kipyegon timed her kick perfectly and broke the meet record. Photo by Chloe Montague
Faith Kipyegon pumped her fist in excitement as she crossed the finish line.
She had come to the Prefontaine Classic hoping to open up her season on a high note and lay the foundation for competing in the World Athletics Championships.
Instead, she surprised herself.
With a time of 3 minutes and 52.59 seconds, she broke the meet record and won Saturday’s race.
“I was not expecting that — I just wanted to open my season in a good way,” Kipyegon said. “This is a really good start for me before the world championship.”
On the final lap, Kipyegon made her move to overtake Ethiopian runner Gudaf Tsegay. Tsegay had set a fast pace and led the race for three laps. To avoid the high winds, Kipyegon waited, then pounced when it mattered most.
Kipyegon beat Tsegay by 1.62 seconds. The win marked Kipyegon’s fifth Diamond League victory of her career.
“Faith Kipyegon is probably the best 1,500-meter runner this sport has ever seen,” said Canadian Gabriela Debues-Stafford, who finished third in 3:85.62. “You have to pay respects where respects are due.”
All the medals. All the praise. Kipyegon has other priorities.
She cares about setting a standard for herself and representing her country. She keeps her daughter at the front of her mind.
“I want to say a big thank you, I know she was watching even though it’s the middle of the night in Kenya,” Kipyegon said. “I always want her to follow her heart and grow in a nice way.”
