Faith Kipyegon reveals husband's role in her successful athletics career
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 17.01.25. | 08:32
The couple have built a foundation of love and teamwork that transcends far beyond their family
It is often said that behind every successful man, there is a woman.
But for 1500m triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon, the script is flipped. Behind her extraordinary dominance on the track stands her husband, Timothy Kitum, a former Olympian and an accomplished middle-distance runner himself.
Kipyegon and Kitum’s journey began at the 2012 London Olympics, where they first met as teenagers representing Kenya on the global stage. What started as a friendship blossomed into a partnership defined by mutual support and understanding.
“I was still in school then. We tried to do our classes, but that is why I say if I was not disciplined, you can fill the dots,” Kipyegon said during an episode of Engage Talk.
Today, the couple shares their lives with their daughter, Alyn, born in June 2018.
Together, they have built a foundation of love and teamwork that transcends far beyond their family.
Kitum is an elite athlete and his experiences allow him to provide guidance and encouragement which enable Kipyegon to thrive in her demanding career.
“My husband has been very supportive of what I do in my career. We have come from far. I dedicated my 2016 gold medal to him when he was still my boyfriend, and now he is my husband and father to my daughter.
He is a special person. I really thank him for allowing me to train, not being at home, being in camp for six days, and only spending two days at home is not easy.
He understands me. He was a sportsman and knows what it takes. He advises me on what to do because he understands athletics,” Kipyegon revealed.
Kitum’s career is decorated with remarkable achievements. He made his international debut at the 2011 IAAF World Youth Championships in Lille, France.
The following year, he claimed silver in the 800m at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Barcelona.
His standout moment came at the 2012 London Olympics, where he clinched bronze behind Kenyan compatriot David Rudisha and Botswana’s Nigel Amos.
At just 18, Kitum ran a personal best of 1:42.53, setting the under-20 national record. That time still stands today.
Despite these achievements, Kitum’s career did not follow the trajectory many had anticipated.
While he may have stepped away from the global spotlight, his contributions to Kipyegon’s career shine brightly.
“We take a role in taking care of our daughter and loving each other,” Kipyegon explained.
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