Faith Kipyegon, a double Olympic champion, said she is looking forward to a sunny summer in Paris, where she will compete for two gold medals after winning the 1500m and 5000m in the Kenyan Olympic Trials in Nairobi.
Despite not participating since September’s Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, the 30-year-old clinched a spot in both distances at the Paris Olympics with a season-best effort.
A day after winning the 5000m in 14:46.28, the Rio and Tokyo Games 1500m champion reaffirmed her mastery of the distance on Saturday, setting a new track record of 3:53.98, the fastest time ever in the Kenyan women’s 1500m.
“I am looking forward to a bright summer (at the Games),” Kipyegon, who also holds the 1500m world record, said following the race.
“My plan was to see and do what is feasible now. I expected to run 3:55, but it turned out to be 3:53. I’m delighted to be back on track and executing in this manner.
“It was my plan to run a faster 1500 than the 5000m yesterday, I am grateful I made both teams and won both races.”
The Stade de France will host the Paris Olympics from August 1 to 11. Kipyegon will continue her duel with Ireland’s Ciara Mageean in the 1500m, where she won gold at the European Championships in 4:04.66.
