Nairobi —Faith Kipyegon, a double world record holder, is hoping for an injury-free campaign at this month’s Paris Olympics.
Kipyegon stated that her recent world record at the Paris Diamond League has boosted her confidence in another strong performance at the quadrennial games.
“Breaking the world record was a good sign that I am on the right track towards the Paris Olympics and defending my championship. I hope everything goes well…injury-free, and we pray to God for a successful Paris Olympics,” stated the two-time Olympic 1500m champion.
Kipyegon only recently competed in her first race of the year, the national trials for the Paris Olympics in Nyayo Stadium in June, where she secured a spot in the women’s 1500m and 5000m.
The two-time world 1500m champion has been dealing with injuries, forcing her to miss the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League in Oregon in May.
Her comeback from injury has been remarkable, building on her victory in the national trials with a stunning performance at the Paris Diamond League in early July.
Kipyegon shattered her previous world mark in the women’s 1500m (3:49.11), recording 3:49.04 to solidify her place as the world’s fastest in the three-and-a-quarter lap event.
She smashed the world record for the fourth time in nearly a year, following victories in Florence, Paris, and Monaco.
Returning to Paris, Kipyegon hopes to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the women’s 1500m.
“We will attack each race in its own time. I’m going to run the 5000m first to see what I can do, and then compete in the 1500m…the greater goal is to defend my title,” she explained.
Kipyegon will be joined in the 1500m by Nelly Jepchirchir and Susan Ejore.
Beatrice Chebet, the world 10,000m record holder, and Margaret Chelimo, the 2022 world 10,000m bronze medalist, will run alongside her in the women’s 5000m.
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