1500 metre great Faith Kipyegon says that she is considering moving to longer races as she seeks career progression and fresh challenges.
Kipyegon, who won her fourth 1,500m world title in Tokyo, also claimed silver in the 5000m, finishing just behind compatriot, Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet, who bagged double gold in the 5000m and 10,000m races, similar to what she achieved at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Having also similarly dominated the 1500m 'Chebet style', Kipyegon is seeking a change of environment and sees herself competing more and more in the longer races.
Speaking after her Silver in Tokyo, Kipyegon openly admitted to maybe chasing a new dream soon.
" Congratulations to Beatrice. I'm happy with the result if I will be honest. This is my first 5,000m of the season, and as such I’m happy to win silver. Also, beating Chebet was not going to be because she’s been in top form, she explained.
One can understand Kipyegon's desire to quit the 1500m. She holds the world records for the 1500m (3:48.68) and the mile (4:07.64). She also became the first woman to win four world titles in the 1500m and the first to win an Olympic 1500m gold medal at three consecutive Games, securing her fourth world title in September 2025.
Kipyegon also broke the 5000m world record in 2023, though it has since been surpassed by Chebet.
She can most definitely see herself in the longer races in future.
“I don’t want to remain in the same place. I will still run 1500m, but I’m also preparing for longer races. It’s time to challenge myself, she added.
Whatever decision she makes, that will be for the future. At present, Kipyegon can bask in the glory of yet another trailblazing season where she has broken the 1500m World Record yet again and won a silver medal in the 5000m at the World Championships; only losing out by a small margin to the World Record holder and Olympic champion. No mean feat!
