Kenyan athlete Faith Kipyegon has once again made history by breaking her own 1,500 meters world record with a stunning time of 3:48.68 at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
This remarkable achievement surpasses her previous record of 3:49.04 set last year in Paris.
Kipyegon’s dominating performance saw her lead from the start, maintaining a consistent pace before accelerating in the final 300 meters to seal the new world record.
The record-breaking run cements Kipyegon’s legacy as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history, with her now holding the three fastest times ever recorded in the 1,500m.
She remains unbeaten in the event since 2021, solidifying her dominance in the sport.
Kipyegon’s Performance Highlights
- New World Record: 3:48.68, shaving 0.36 seconds off her previous record
- Previous Record: 3:49.04, set at the Paris Diamond League meeting in July 2024
- Current Form: Unbeaten in the 1,500m since 2021, with a strong medal prospect for Kenya in the upcoming Paris Olympics
Kipyegon’s achievement comes after a notable attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes at a special event in Paris on June 26, which, although unsuccessful, contributed to her exceptional performance in the 1,500m.
In the same event, fellow Kenyan athlete Beatrice Chebet also made history by breaking the 5,000 meters world record with a time of 13:58.06, becoming the first woman to run under 14 minutes in the event.
This double success by Kipyegon and Chebet marked a historic day for Kenyan athletics, showcasing the country’s continued strength in long and middle-distance running.
Chebet’s Record-Breaking Performance
- New World Record: 13:58.06, surpassing the previous record of 14:00.21 set by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay
- Achievement: First woman to run under 14 minutes in the 5,000m event
- Current Titles: Holds both the 5,000m and 10,000m world records and Olympic titles
The Prefontaine Classic, a key fixture in the Diamond League calendar, has become a fruitful ground for Kipyegon as she continues her build-up to the Olympic Games in Paris. With her current form, she is the overwhelming favorite to retain her Olympic crown.
