Kipyegon soars high in Oregon
By Amos.Abuga and Kiprono Ericson, May 30, 2022
Two-time Olympics 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon is impressed with her preparations for the World Championships set for July in Eugene, Oregon in USA.
The 2017 world champion competed and won the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League in Oregon on Saturday night and later said she was surprised with the fast time she recorded in the race.
“It was a really good race today,” Kipyegon.
“I was not expecting such a fast time today, but I’m really happy about the race and the meet record. It was a surprise,” added Kipyegon who has a 1,500m personal best of 3:51.07.
Kipyegon, who trains in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County, went into the race keen to win her first 1500m race in the Diamond League this season, after finishing second in the 3000m in the season-opening Doha leg behind Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba two weeks ago.
The silver medallist in Doha Championships World Championships in 2019 says her dream his to reclaim the global title.
“The season has started well and I’m happy so far but my target is just to do well during the Diamond League races which will sharpen me ahead of the World Championships in July,” said Kipyegon.
On Saturday, the Kenyan record holder powered down the homestretch to win in a meeting record of 3:52.60, which was also a 2022 world leader. The Prefontaine classic meeting was the only Diamond League stop in the United States.
Reigning world indoor 1,500m champion Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia was second in 3:54.21, while Canadian record holder Gabriela Debues-Stafford got third in 3:58.62.
In the men’s the Bowerman Mile, reigning world champion Timothy Cheruiyot settled for third in a star studded field.
The Olympic silver medalist clocked 3:50.77 in a race that was won by Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen who clocked 3:49.76.
The olympic champion defended his title from last year. Australian Olympian Oliver Hoare took second position in 3:50.65.
Abel Kipsang Who was seeking a third consecutive win at the diamond league finished fourth in 3:50.87.
Kipsang had last week clocked 3:35.15 to pick his second successive win at the Birmingham Diamond league. He had also won the season opening Diamond League in Doha a week earlier.
The Wanda Diamond League continues in Rabat, Morocco, June 5, then move to Rome on June 9.