Faith Kipyegon has revealed what inspired her to make history in the women’s 1,500m race at the just-concluded 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The 30-year-old Kipyegon made history by becoming the first woman to win three consecutive Olympic 1,500m titles.

No other athlete (male or female) had ever achieved such a feat over this distance. Kipyegon dominated the final at the Stade de France, setting a new Olympic record and solidifying her place among the legends of world sport.

Since her first Olympic victory in Rio in 2016, Kipyegon has continued to shine on the world stage.
In 2021, she confirmed her status as the 1,500m queen by winning gold in Tokyo.

In Paris, she arrived under immense pressure but with unshakeable determination to make history.
New record.

This year’s final was a masterpiece of strategy and power. From the start of the race, Kipyegon set a sustained pace, taking the lead within the first few meters and never relinquishing that dominant position.

Her success in the 1,500m race came after she had won silver in the 5,000m.

“My main goal was to defend my title and make history, and I really thank God that I could come out after frustrations and disappointment over the 5,000m. I can’t say it was a disappointment, but it was a little traumatic, you know,” Kipyegon told reporters on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

“So, I’ve won silver, I’ve been given a disqualification (DQ) without my knowledge, and I was like, ‘What did I do?’ It took a lot of energy from me…I don’t know, I still don’t know how to explain it. It’s still emotional because it was really emotional for me.”

She added: “Being disqualified after winning silver in the 5,000m, and then having the decision reversed, was a disappointing and emotional experience for me. I still cannot comprehend how I bounced back and won the 1,500m after the 5,000m drama, making history.”

Emotional recovery

On writing history, Kipyegon maintained: “It was motivational to have stood on that podium, being the greatest 1,500m runner of all time and knowing that I have inspired many young girls in the next generation. It was a big achievement for me, and I think I’ve been an inspiration to many young girls.”

Meanwhile, Beatrice Chebet, who achieved a remarkable Olympic double by winning the women’s 10,000m and becoming the first Kenyan woman to claim gold in the event, also bagged gold in the 5,000m.

She thanked Kenyans for their support during the Games.

“We have come a long way, and we thank God we arrived home safely. Thanks to everyone for coming. This is my first time arriving in Kenya and meeting such a huge crowd waiting for us. I just want to say thank you for coming; it inspires many young generations,” remarked Chebet.

“I am so happy to be a double gold medalist and Olympic champion for the first time. Being a debutant in the Olympics and coming home with two gold medals is not easy. I want to thank everyone who supported me in the preparations for the Games.”Equat qui sit