Kipyegon sets sights on Olympics after record-shattering run in Paris

Triple world 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon has shifted her focus to the Paris 2024 Olympics after a dazzling performance in the Paris Diamond League held on Sunday, the 7th.

The sensational runner crossed the line in 3:49.04, eclipsing her previous record by 0.07 seconds, which was set in Florence in June 2023.

Kipyegon, who was making her maiden appearance at the 2024 Wanda Diamond League, used the race to test the waters ahead of the main challenge: the Paris Olympics. An injury setback saw her miss the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen and the Prefontaine Classic.

While celebrating this latest triumph, Kipyegon noted that she has already shifted her focus to the ultimate prize: Olympic gold. The upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024 presents a golden opportunity for her to cement her legendary status in athletics.

“World record! Wow! This is just amazing. I am so happy to break the world record over my favorite distance again. Thank you everyone for the support and thank you Paris. I can’t wait to come back and defend my Olympic title,” she posted on her social media handles after the win.

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This will not be the first time Kipyegon will be looking to bag two gold medals in a championship, as she successfully did in the 2023 Worlds in Budapest.

Having already secured two Olympic gold medals in the 1500m (2016 & 2020), she is aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive victory. This feat would solidify her legacy as one of the greatest middle-distance runners ever.

President William Ruto led Kenyans from all walks of life in hailing the star’s impressive performance, tipping her to achieve more greatness in the Olympics. He praised Kipyegon as an inspiration to fellow athletes and Kenyans.

"Faith Kipyegon has once again made history. Congratulations on breaking your own record in the 1500m race. Your victory is a testament to the rewards of hard work and determination, a valuable lesson to the aspiring young athletes who look up to you."

Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba also joined in the celebrations, saying, “Our Kenyan gem Faith Kipyegon lowers her own 1,500m record at the Paris Diamond League. Congratulations, champion. You made the whole country proud. Keep up with the fighting spirit.”

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga expressed his admiration for her remarkable achievement. "Faith Kipyegon, your great feat of breaking your own Women's 1500m world record in Paris is truly motivating. Your dedication and passion power the ambitions of Kenya's athletes and youth. Keep running and shining!" he wrote.

Kipyegon began her season in impressive fashion, clocking 3:53.98 at last month’s national trials for the upcoming Olympics in Paris.

Faith Kipyegon smashes world record in sensational Paris DL win