Faith Kipyegon cemented her legacy as one of the greatest middle distance runners in history by winning her fourth world title in the 1,500 meters on Tuesday night in Tokyo. The 31-year-old Kenyan star clocked 3 minutes, 52.15 seconds, finishing nearly three seconds ahead of compatriot Dorcus Ewoi. Australia’s Jessica Hull took bronze. With this victory, Kipyegon joins Moroccan legend Hicham El Guerrouj as only the second athlete to win four world titles in the event. “This was my dream, just to defend my title in the 1,500 for the fourth time and keep making history,” Kipyegon said, beaming as she flashed four fingers to the crowd — one for each of her world crowns.
A mother to 7-year-old Alyn, Kipyegon has dominated the 1,500m for nearly a decade, claiming three Olympic gold medals and multiple world records along the way. Earlier this year, she lowered her own world record to 3:48.68, just months after narrowly missing her goal of breaking the four-minute barrier in the mile. Her dominance was clear in Tokyo. Leading comfortably on the final lap, she glanced at the clock before storming ahead to widen her margin. As Ewoi and Hull collapsed in exhaustion at the finish line, Kipyegon jogged over to encourage them, lifting Hull to her feet.
“This is my first time interacting with Faith,” said Ewoi, who won her first major medal. “I always watch her doing amazing things. She inspires everybody, and that’s really good for the sport.” Kipyegon’s triumph not only adds another chapter to her storied career but also reinforces her reputation as a once-in-a-generation athlete who has redefined excellence in women’s middle-distance running.
