Olympic and world 1500m champion Faith Kipyeon has revealed her admiration for singer Rihanna, citing the star as one of her inspirations.

During an interview with Citius Mag, Kipyegon spoke about how seeing Rihanna perform during the Super Bowl while pregnant motivated her and reinforced the belief that pregnancy should not limit anyone’s aspirations.

Faith Kipyegon praise

Kipyegon expressed her admiration for Rihanna’s ability to shine on stage while pregnant, defying traditional norms and expectations.

The Kenyan athlete praised Rihanna’s performance style and fashion choices, describing how the superstar’s presence sends a powerful message to women about their strength and potential.

“I admire Rihanna a lot…when I saw her performing even with her pregnancy, it motivated me a lot. She is just proof that maternity leave should not make our decisions or desires just end up in ashes,” she said.

“Seeing Rihanna on that stage, performing really motivated me a lot. I like how she dresses up and performs. She makes other women know that we are strong,”  she added.

In February 2023, Rihanna made history by becoming the first woman to headline a Super Bowl halftime show while pregnant.

Her performance was nothing short of remarkable, showcasing her talent and resilience in the face of societal expectations.

In a video shared on Instagram, Rihanna’s friends celebrated her incredible performance after the show, highlighting her determination and fearlessness.

Back in the athletic world, Kipyegon has been making headlines herself, setting a third consecutive world record in this year’s Wanda Diamond League.

In June, she achieved a groundbreaking feat, becoming the first woman to break the 3:50 barrier in the 1500m with a new global standard of 3:49.11 in Florence.

Faith Kipyegon record

Just a week later, she continued to impress, breaking the 5000m world record with a time of 14:05.20 in Paris.

Now, Kipyegon is preparing for the mile race, aiming to add yet another impressive achievement to her remarkable track record.

Her personal best of 4:16.71, set in 2015, reflects the significant progress she has made over the years. The mile world record stands at 4:12.33, held by her long-time rival, Sifan Hassan. With Kipyegon’s exceptional form this year, anticipation for another exhilarating performance is high.

As she prepares to compete, a strong field of talented athletes has gathered around her. Among them are Olympic silver medallist Laura Muir with a personal best of 4:18.03, Australian record-holder Jessica Hull (4:18.24), and US 1500m champion Nikki Hiltz (4:18.38).

The competition promises to be fierce, as these athletes push themselves to reach new heights and inspire others with their dedication and passion for the sport.