T. NashipaeLegacy-chasing Kipyegon open to chasing 800m glory
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 03.08.23. | 14:05
“When the chance comes and I am still strong I will keep motivating the younger generation, showing them that everything is possible."
Double Olympics and world champion Faith Kipyegon is aiming higher after a series of impressive performances.
The queen of track has currently shifted focus to doubling up at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest before venturing in the 800m race.
With the championships set for 19 to 27 August, the stargirl will be making her debut in the 5,000m at the championships while seeking to defend her 1,500m title.
Speaking at the Global Sports Communication athletics camp in Kaptagat after being feted as the LG/SJAK Sports Personality for the month of July, Kipyegon noted that it was a personal choice to chase double glory in Budapest, and she was ready for the challenge.
Kipyegon was awarded for sensationally breaking her third world record in 50 days. It was a back-to-back LG/SJAK award for Kipyegon who had been rewarded last month for shattering the women’s 1,500m world record at the Florence Diamond League on 2 June and following it up with a 5,000m world record in the Paris leg on 9 June. Her most recent triumph was breaking the women’s mile at the Monaco Diamond League on 21 July.
“When the chance comes and I am still strong I will keep motivating the younger generation, showing them that everything is possible. For now, I will leave the 800m to young athletes like Mary Moraa but if a chance presents itself, I will try and move to 800m.
My focus is on the world championships in the 5,000m and 1,500m but when that time comes to run in the 800m, I will try my best, not thinking of setting a world record but have some good performances,” she noted.
In the 5,000m race, the Kaptagat-based athlete will be battling it out with compatriot and silver medalist Beatrice Chebet, Lilian Kasait and Margret Chelimo, the 2015 Africa Games 5,000m winner.
Kasait, a 2017 cross country bronze medalist, who served a 10-month ban from April 2022 to February 2023, for anti-doping rule violations, is hoping to fight for a podium place. Chebet will also be hoping to improve her silver from last year. She has since won the 2022 Commonwealth Games 5,000m title before winning a cross-country title this year.
According to Kipyegon, teamwork will be crucial in ensuring Kenya brings back the 5,000m glory.
“With such an experienced team, we have to come home with the title. We are going to do our best to bring back the medals,” Kipyegon said.
In the 1,500m race, she will compete alongside Nelly Chepchirchir, Brenda Chebet and Ednah Jebitok for Team Kenya.
“I hope we will do well in Budapest. I am heading there as the 1,500m defending champion and I hope to defend my title,” she said.
The 1,500m heats will be part of day one’s action with the final set for 22 August. The 5000m heats are set for 23 August with the final slated for Saturday 26 August.
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