TOKYO2025: Chepchirchir left with no regrets after missing podium

Kenya’s Nelly Chepchichir said she had nothing to regret following her fourth-place finish in the women’s 1500m final on Tuesday, 16 September.

Chepchirchir, 22, narrowly missed out on claiming her first global medal at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, after failing to reel in a tiring Jessica Hull at the line.

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The result meant Kenya was unable to record a podium-sweep, with compatriots Faith Kipyegon and Dorcus Ewoi finishing in the top two positions.

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Speaking after the race, Chepchirchir, who was taking part in her second World Championships, was however positive of her exploits, despite them not bringing home tangible results.

“There is nothing to regret,” Chepchirchir said when asked what she made of missing out on a podium for her third straight year.

“The race was good because since the first day, we all wanted to make the finals. I appreciate the results because even though I am out of the medals, I picked my personal best.”

In a race dominated by four-time World Champion Kipyegon, Chepchirchir, clocked a personal best time of 3:55.25, which eclipsed her previous record of 3:56.14 set at last year’s Golden Gala in Italy.

Putting her season into context, Chepchirchir added: “This year has been so good to me.”

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The Olympian came into the World Championships on the back of a remarkable form, which had seen her only lose once all year.

The Kenyan began her season on the roads in April, and went all the way to winning her first Diamond League trophy in Zurich in August.

Her only loss in the calendar year came in the Brussels Diamond League when she finished third, and she did not trail in Tokyo enroute to the finals.

Asked about Kipyegon and Ewoi scooping gold and silver on Tuesday, Chepchirchir said: “I am so happy for them, excited and proud of what they achieved.”