Faith Kipyegon Shatters Her Own World Record in 1500m at Prefontaine Classic
Faith Kipyegon has once again etched her name deeper into athletics history books after breaking her own 1500 metres world record on Saturday at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
The two-time Olympic and world champion clocked an astonishing 3:48.68, shaving 0.36 seconds off her previous record of 3:49.04 set in Florence, Italy, on June 2, 2023. Running at Hayward Field during the final event of the Diamond League meet, Kipyegon dominated the race from the front, maintaining a consistent pace before launching a blistering final 300-metre kick that secured the new world record.
Kipyegon now holds the three fastest times in the 1500m event and remains unbeaten in the distance since 2021. Her performance in Eugene confirms her position as the greatest 1500m runner in history and a firm favourite for gold at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
“It feels amazing to run such a time again,” Kipyegon said after the race. “I thank God for the strength and my team for the support. The Prefontaine Classic always brings out the best in me.”
The event marked a double celebration for Kenyan athletics as Beatrice Chebet also made history earlier in the day. Chebet became the first woman to run the 5000m in under 14 minutes, clocking a jaw-dropping 13:58.06 and breaking Gudaf Tsegay’s 2023 record of 14:00.21.
The back-to-back world records by Kipyegon and Chebet signaled a dominant display by Kenyan women on the global stage and reinforced the country’s legacy in long-distance running. With the Paris Olympics just weeks away, these performances have ignited hope and excitement among Kenyan fans.
The Prefontaine Classic, a staple in the Wanda Diamond League calendar, continues to serve as a critical warm-up event for elite athletes. For Kipyegon, it was more than a tune-up—it was a defining moment of excellence and an emphatic statement ahead of Paris.
Kenya now heads into the Olympic Games with renewed confidence and the world watching.
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Faith Kipyegon Shatters Her Own World Record in 1500m at Prefontaine Classic