Faith Kipyegon guides Kenyans into 1500m final at Tokyo 2025 World Championships
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 14, 2025Faith Kipyegon once again showed her class at the Tokyo 2025 World Championships, easing into the women’s 1500m final with a confident run on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
The world record holder clocked 4:00.34 to win her semi-final, finishing ahead of compatriot Dorcas Ewoi, who crossed in 4:00.65. Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu, despite falling mid-race, recovered to claim third in 4:01.03.
Kipyegon, already a three-time Olympic champion, looked in control throughout. She even slowed to encourage Ewoi to secure her place in the final.
Kenya will have three representatives in the final after Nelly Chepchirchir won the second semi-final. Chepchirchir held off Australia’s Jessica Hull to cross in 4:06.86, just one hundredth of a second ahead.
America’s Nikki Hiltz followed closely in third with 4:07.04. The strong showing ensures Kenya will be one of the best-represented nations in the final, with all eyes now on whether the trio can deliver medals.
It was, however, disappointing for Susan Ejore, who failed to progress after fading in the last lap. Earlier, Ferdinand Omanyala bowed out of the men’s 100m after missing a spot in the final.
Kenya eyes 1500m glory
For Kipyegon, this performance adds to her legacy as the dominant force in middle-distance running. She has already claimed four world titles over the 1500m and continues to set the standard. Her presence in the final, alongside her younger teammates, gives Kenya strong medal hopes.
Chepchirchir and Ewoi will now seek to build on their semi-final results, with Kipyegon expected to lead the charge. The trio faces tough competition from established rivals, including Hull, Hiltz, and Hailu, but Kenya’s depth remains clear.
As the countdown begins to the 1500m final, the focus will be on whether Kipyegon can add another gold to her historic career. At the same time, the rise of Chepchirchir and Ewoi signals a bright future for Kenya in the event.