“I’m going to double after this win”- Faith Kipyegon to race 1500m and 5000m at Paris Olympics 2024 after winning both events at Kenyan Olympic trials

Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon has expressed her confidence to race in 1500m and 5000m at the Paris Olympics after winning in both events at the recent Kenyan Olympic Trials. On Friday, the 30-year-old athlete made her season-opener at the trials after withdrawing her name from the Diamond League in Eugene in May due to an injury. Kipyegon was scheduled to compete in the 5000m race.

Two-time 1500m Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon is currently on her quest for her third Olympic Games. She is also the reigning 1500m and 5000m world champion from the World Athletics Championships 2023. Previously, she gained two world championship gold medals in 2017 and 2022 and two silver medals in 2015 and 2019 at the 1500m race.

Faith Kipyegon at Prefontaine Classic: Day 1 - Diamond League 2023

Recently, Faith Kipyegon qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 after winning in the 1500m and 5000m races at the Kenyan Olympic Trials. The long-distance runner clocked an impressive 3:53.98 in the 1500m, leaving behind competitors Nelly Chepchirchir and Susan Ejore at 3:58.46 and 4:00.22, respectively.

After the race, the Kenyan athlete expressed that her double win at the trials has instilled confidence in her to “represent Kenya in the 1500m and 5000m.” She told Pulse Sports Kenya,

“I had not raced due to an injury but I thank God because I ran an incredible race today. I can declare that I’m going to double after this win because I have gained more confidence and I’m doing well. I’m ready to go and represent Kenya in the 1500m and 5000m.”

Furthermore, she talked about preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics in July and praying to God about staying healthy and focused.

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Faith Kipyegon defeats 10,000m world record holder in the 5000m race at the Kenyan Olympic Trials

Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet at World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023

On day 1 of the Kenyan Olympic Trials, Faith Kipyegon made her seasonal debut in the 5000m race. She not only won the race but also outshined 10,000m world record holder Beatrice Chebet with her exceptional timing of 14:46.28. Kipyegon was faster than the second-placed Chebet’s 14:52.55 and Margaret Chelimo’s 14:59.39 timing.

However, after defeating the 10,000m world champion, Kipyegon expressed her excitement to be competing against Chebet for Olympic glory in July, just like back at the 2023 world championship. She told Pulse Sports Kenya,

"It’s a really great team, working with this girl here, Beatrice. We were together in Budapest and I won gold and she won a bronze medal. But this time around, we are going to do our best in Paris."

Kipyegon won the gold medal by clocking 14:53.88 whereas Beatrice Chebet settled for the bronze medal in the 5000m with a timing of 14:54.33 in 2023.