Coach Mwaniki says he predicted that Kipyegon would break records 5 months ago
By Vincent Voiyoh, June 20, 2023Kenya Prisons sprints coach Stephen Mwaniki is not surprised by Faith Kipyegon’s record-breaking performances at the Diamond League meetings of Florence and Paris respectively early this month.
Mwaniki who has previously handled various national teams for different global outings over the weekend that he had predicted that Kipyegon would go ahead to break the world time barriers five months ago when the ever-smiling mother of one ran brilliantly in 10km at the Sirikwa Classic staged at Lobo Village in Eldoret on February 4. Kipyegon brushed off her competitors to cross the finish line in 33:50.
“I saw Faith run well during the Sirikwa Classic and was really in good shape. She kept a huge distance of about 300m between herself and the other competitors in the race as she approached the finish line. That was a big sign for me that she could deliver something special this season on the track and shock the world. I told my colleagues at the venue that Faith could break the record even in 5000m. Some believed me, some did not. It was just a matter of time,” Mwaniki told People Daily Sport.
Just as predicted, Kipyegon went on to clinch the two world records in a span of one week, claiming the Women’s record in 1500m after superbly clocking 3:49.11 in Florence, Italy on the night of 9 June. In Paris, France, Kipyego,29, shattered a three-year record in 5000m in a time of 14:0520.
The long serving coach tips Kipyegon to follow in the footsteps of World Marathon king Eliud Kipchoge who has stood the test of time to be regarded as the greatest of all time in road running. Mwaniki expects the Kaptagat based athlete to quit track athletics for marathons possibly after this year’s World Championships in Hungary and Paris Olympics next year.
“I expect her to continue doing well before she retires from track running, I know her coach Patrick Sang has a plan to help her with the transition to marathon. You know she he is approaching 30 years. That tells you that maybe she will be heading to 10,000m before switching to marathons. She is keenly following the footsteps of Eliud Kipchoge who featured in 5000m and 10,000 before his move to lucrative road races,”. Mwaniki added.
The gallant Kipyegon has hinted on a possible double in Budapest and Paris next year after giving a show of class this season that has seen her bag the two world records.