Peerless Kipyegon left in wonder after second record breaking feat within a week

“It was not my plan.”

Those were among the first words that Kenya’s undisputed track great Faith Kipyegon had to say immediately after she literally left jaws dropped - wheeling her way to a second athletics world record in just seven days.

First was her historic time of 3:49.11 in Florence on the night of 2 June but then came a third competitive stab in a longer 5000m.

So came her first 5000m race in eight years against one of the most competitive fields in the event, but one thing stood out. And that was Faith. As she always does.

The 29-year-old Kenyan showed no fear as she navigated her way through the race, hitting an early pace of 2:52.31 at 1000m and 5:42.04 at 2000m, before steeplechase world record-holder Beatrice Chepkoech - the third pacemaker in the race - rallied the duo of Kipyegon and the now-former 5000m record holder Letesenbet Gidey through the 3000m mark at 8:31.91.

What followed in the ensuing laps was a mark of brilliance, as Kipyegon, hitting the bell at 13:04.1, hit the last 400m in an astonishing time of 61.1 seconds to cross the line in 14:05.20 – a 1.42-second improvement on Gidey’s mark.

“I didn’t think about the world record, I don’t know how I made it,” a delighted and surprised Kipyegon told World Athletics immediately after the race. “I just focused on the green light and tried to stay relaxed and enjoy the race.”

Going for the world record as per Kipyegon, seemed to be the last thing she had on her mind pre - and during the race saying; “When I saw that it was a world record, I was so surprised – I just wanted to improve on my PB, the world record was not my plan. I just ran after Gidey – she is an amazing lady.”

With all fingers pointing towards her step up from the track to a potential appearance in the marathons, Kipyegon withheld any indications on her next race and plans moving forward - many building her up for a nailed-on appearance in the World Athletics championships in Budapest next month.

Mind Blowing! Second World Record for Faith Kipyegon in one week

“I do not know what will be next – I’ll have to discuss it with my coach and my management. If my body is healthy, anything is possible,” she added.

The event was Ethiopia’s Gidey’s first appearance this season on track after her appearance in the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia in February. She is yet to win a Diamond League in the 5000m event.