Faith Kipyegon surprised after Ewoi won silver ahead of close rival in Tokyo
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 16, 2025Faith Kipyegon won her fourth world title in the women’s 1500m on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, but she was surprised to learn that Dorcas Ewoi had finished second.
After the race, Kipyegon admitted she thought her teammate had taken bronze and that Australia’s Jessica Hull had won silver.
“Wait, I’m surprised; I thought it was bronze. “Ulipita wapi, Jess?” she asked Ewoi with a laugh. “Ata sikuwa nimeona medal yako ni bronze ama silver. I’m happy for you. Good job. You know I saw Jess alikuwa nyuma yangu, so I thought Jess was the silver medallist.”
The two spoke after an interview after Kenya claimed a 1-2 finish. Ewoi, on her World Championships debut, clocked 3:52.02 for silver, just behind Kipyegon’s 3:52.15.
Ewoi admitted she could not believe her result.
“I wanted to go; I was fourth. Leo Faith sijui nitalala aje,” she said.
Kipyegon told her to treasure the moment.
“Enda lala, enda lala na uweke kwa kichwa hivi,” she said, showing her to sleep with the medal under her head. “I’m happy for you; you know I got confused, actually. I was told, ‘What do you think of Dorcas winning a silver medal?’ and I was like, ‘Silver?’ I thought it was bronze. And now I’m seeing, I’m surprised.”
Mentorship shines in Tokyo
Their strong bond was clear throughout the event. In the semi-final, Kipyegon slowed down to encourage Ewoi, helping her qualify for the final. The youngster then delivered one of the best performances of her career.
The medals add to Kenya’s growing tally in Tokyo. Under the government reward scheme, Kipyegon will earn Ksh3 million for her gold, while Ewoi will get Ksh2 million for silver.
The race underlined Kipyegon’s dominance in the 1500m, as she secured her fourth world crown. It also marked the rise of Ewoi, who showed she can compete with the best. For both athletes, it was a night of pride, and for Kipyegon, one of surprise too.