Nairobi — Faith Kipyegon, a double world record holder, surged to victory in the women’s 5000m at the Paris Olympics national trials, her first race of the year.
The two-time Olympic and global 1500m champion won in 14:46.28, ahead of global 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet, who finished in 14:52.55.
Margaret Chelimo, who won bronze at the 2022 World 10,000m, finished third in 14:59.39.
Kipyegon, who has been dealing with a nagging hamstring ailment for some time, expressed her joy at being able to do what she enjoys most. She stated:
“I thank God that I have run really well today after being out for a long time. People have been asking where is Faith?
“And so I had to come out and clarify that I have been grappling with an injury. I thank my fans and everyone who has been supporting me through this trying time,” Kipyegon said.
The global 5000-metre champion was patient throughout the 12 and a half-lap race, running towards the back of the pack for the majority of the time.
With three laps to go, Kipyegon unleashed predatory feelings to take the front of the pack, as predicted by the bookmakers, with Chebet and Chelimo following closely behind.
Despite her best efforts to catch up to her fellow record holder, Chebet was unable to withstand Kipyegon’s tremendous kick, who was now poised for first place.
Chebet, on the other hand, accomplished more than enough to create an unassailable lead over Chelimo, securing second place.
Chebet, on the other hand, performed more than enough to create an unassailable lead over Chelimo and secure second place.
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Kipyegon is optimistic that the three of them will bring honour to the country in the women’s 5000-metre race in Paris.
“It is a really great team…working with this girl here (Beatrice). We were together in Budapest, and I won gold and she won bronze. This time we are going to do our best to see what we can do in the women’s 5000m in Paris, she stated.
Kipyegon is also likely to compete in the women’s 1500m, where she will defend her championship from this summer’s competition.
