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Faith Kipyegon speaks out after viral act of kindness at World Championships
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 15.09.25. | 11:35
The three-time World Champion waved on the debutant to finish behind her in the semifinals, effectively sealing a spot in Tuesday's final
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon says she was elated to see compatriot Dorcas Ewoi finish behind her in second place to secure qualification for the 2025 World Athletics Championships 1500m final.
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Kipyegon, in what soon became a viral moment on Sunday, 14 September, displayed her extra levels of sportsmanship when she seemed to wave on fellow Kenyan Ewoi to keep pace with her as she eased her way to a routine Heat One win in the 1500m semifinals.
Check how Faith made sure Ewoi was on her shoulder.
— Tilingi 🐘🐘🐘 (@ArapTilingi) September 14, 2025
3 Kenyans into the Women 1500M Final.
1. Faith Kipyegon
2.Jepchirchir
3.Ewoi. https://t.co/VOPuppfSfh pic.twitter.com/T4j15ENlPU
Ewoi, making her debut in the global competition, followed Kipyegon’s guide, finishing a close second to book her place in Tuesday’s final.
The reaction from Kipyegon, who is gunning for her fourth World Championships gold, was one of pure elation as the two crossed the finish line.
“I was so happy to see her,” Kipyegon said in reference to guiding Ewoi to make her first major championship final.
Faith Kipyegon's joy after compatriot Dorcas Ewoi qualified for the 1500M final pic.twitter.com/isCxs7fstu
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) September 14, 2025
“When I was at the 200m (mark), I could still see her; she was second, just behind me, and I was like, let me push a little bit so that she can follow me, and both of us made it to the final.”
For the US-based Ewoi, all Kipyegon did was add a spring to her step.
“She helped me out,” an elated Ewoi, who described her feeling as "grateful and amazing", said post-race.
“I know she was not running hard, but it was good for me, so much motivation.”
A hug between the pair was evidence of what the moment meant individually for Ewoi, but according to Kipyegon, it meant another Kenyan in the final, following Nelly Chepchirchir’s automatic qualification in the second heat.
“Our biggest goal was for the four of us to make it to the final, but unfortunately, Susan [Ejore] did not,” Kipyegon said.
“But the three of us now hope to do our best and do top three in the final come Tuesday."
We can all bet Kenya’s chance for a podium sweep will come with a similar strategy and teamwork.
