Three-time Olympic 1500M champion Faith Kipyegon extended her winning streak on the global stage after clinching the Rome Diamond League meeting.
Kipyegon who made her first appearance on track after winning a record-breaking third straight Olympic gold medal in Paris, escaped with the win in Rome with a time of 3:52.89 in the 1500m race.
The 30-year-old finished the race ahead of Freweyni Hailu who clocked 3:54.16 and Birke Haylom, 3:54.79, who are both from Ethiopia.
Stiff competition
Before crossing the finishing line, Kipyegon faced stiff competition from Olympic silver medallist Jessica Hull of Australia who threatened to grab the win.
Hull ran on Kipyegon’s shoulder until the final lap where she dragged behind allowing the Ethiopian duo to outstage her.
Despite the competition, Kipyegon’s Olympic record of 3:49.04 remained intact.
The ultimate 1500m queen đź‘‘.
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 30, 2024
🇰🇪's Faith Kipyegon reigns supreme with a 3:53.89 in the women's 1500m in Rome 🙌.
🇮🇹's Nadia Battocletti shines at home, breaking 4 minutes for the first time ever with a new PB of 3:59.1 👏
📸 @chiaramontesan2#DiamondLeague pic.twitter.com/DdbWIaYX6l
“I really thank God to have managed to run in the Olympic and win for the third time. That was a really special moment for me. I really hope to stay strong in the last Diamond League in Brussels and the last race in New York.
Reacting to the time she took to prepare for the race, Kipyegon said, “It was all about celebrating and concentrating towards the upcoming races.”
Three-peat
During the Paris Olympic Games, Kipyegon inscribed her name in the annals of history as the greatest 1,500m runner after she showed her competitors a clean pair of heels to win her third gold medal in the race.
She won her first gold medal in Rio 2016 and then defended her crown in Tokyo 2020 before cementing her legacy by winning in Paris. In all the races, Kipyegon displayed sheer resilience, tactical brilliance, and an unyielding will to win.
The third Olympic gold medal adds to an already glittering career that includes multiple World Championship titles, world records, and numerous Diamond League victories. For Kenya, Kipyegon’s success is a source of immense pride, continuing the nation’s rich tradition in middle and long-distance running.
“It’s a big, big achievement. I was really looking forward to defending my title, and I had a dream. It’s amazing to me that I completed it. I’m so, so happy.
“This is history. I managed to make history. I’ve done it. This is an amazing honour; to win the gold medal in the 1500m was my key target,” she said after the race.
