TOKY0 2020: Kipyegon out to defend her 1500m title

Defending champion Faith Kipyegon will be seeking to bag her second Olympics when the 1500m final goes down at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.

Kipyegon showed that she meant business as she cruised to comfortable victories in the heats held earlier to set is expected to be an epic final where she will come up against the indefatigable Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan.

The battle between the two has been discussed in length and width as Hassan dethroned the Kenyan during the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar.

Hassan who is chasing a treble has already bagged the 5000m race crossing the line ahead of World champion Hellen Obiri and will be hoping to spoil the Kenyan party again before turning her focus to the 10000m race.

However, Kipyegon made a huge statement in the heats and will seek to stop the high flying Dutch and give the country the second gold medal. The World silver medalist advanced to the final alone after the duo of Winny Chebet and Edinah Jebitok failed to tower past the semifinal hurdle.

Ahead of the final, Kipyegon admitted that she was emotional but was certain of laying hands on the gold medal.

“Coming here is a bit emotional for me because in the Olympic cycle I gave birth to my daughter (Alyn born in 2018. I know she is watching me and hoping for the best from mummy,” she told AFP.

Kipyegon, who is the 2017 World champion is also expected to be challenged by reigning European champion and serial winner Laura Muir of the Great Britain. Ugandan Winnie Nanyondo who is ranked seventh globally will also be seeking to force her way to the medal bracket.