Kenya’s Nelly Chepchirchir extended her undefeated streak in 2025 with a spectacular victory in the women’s 1000 meters, clocking an astonishing 2:29.77 at the Monaco Diamond League meet.

The time not only secured her the win but also etched her name into the history books as the fourth-fastest woman of all time over the rarely run distance.

Chepchirchir, 22, has been in sensational form this season, and her dominance in middle-distance running continues to capture global attention.

“A fantastic 1000m run by Nelly Chepchirchir and a personal best! With a sensational time of 2:29.77 at the Monaco Diamond League. Chepchirchir now ranks 4th on the all-time 1000m list, a monumental achievement for the rising #TeamKenya star. She climbs into the list of top 5 athletes in the 1,000m,” Team Kenya stated.

In a historic race, Addy Wiley of the USA set a new American record with 2:30.71 to place second, while Jessica Hull of Australia smashed the Oceania record in 2:30.96 for third.

Wanyonyi shines

Olympic silver medallist Emmanuel Wanyonyi once again proved why he is the man to beat in the 800m.

The 20-year-old Kenyan blazed to a world-leading 1:41.44, smashing the meet record and securing victory from gun to tape in a stacked field.

Against a world-class lineup of Olympic and world championship medallists, including reigning world champion Marco Arop, Djamel Sedjati, Josh Hoey, and Tshepiso Masalela, Wanyonyi dominated from gun to tape.

He finished nearly six-tenths clear of second-place Josh Hoey, who clocked 1:42.01, with Sedjati third in 1:42.20.

“WANYONYIII, The Olympic champ, powers to the 10th fastest 800 m of all time with 1:41.44 to come out on top in Monaco, world lead, meeting record,” Athletics Kenya posted on X.

It was another brilliant display from Wanyonyi, who has begun the season well in preparation for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September.