Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon secured her third consecutive Olympic gold in the 1,500 metres on Saturday, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time.
Kipyegon finished with a time of 3:51.29, breaking the Olympic record and becoming the first athlete to win three straight Olympic titles in the event. After crossing the finish line, she collapsed in disbelief, overwhelmed by her achievement.
Australia’s Jessica Hull claimed the silver medal with a time of 3:52.56, while Britain’s Georgia Bell took bronze, setting a national record with a time of 3:52.61. Both athletes overtook Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji in the final stretch.
Kipyegon, who recently broke her world record, spent much of the race just behind Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, but surged ahead with one lap remaining, creating an insurmountable lead. Tsegay, the world champion in the 10,000m, struggled in the final lap and ultimately finished last.
