Faith Kipyegon's relentless pursuit of excellence led to five awe-inspiring victories, earning her the title of Female World Athlete of the Year.
Kenyan athletes on Monday stole the limelight at the 2023 World Athletics Awards, and leading the pack was the remarkable Faith Kipyegon, who was crowned the Female World Athlete of the Year in track events.
This prestigious accolade came as a result of Kipyegon's exceptional season marked by a series of awe-inspiring victories that captivated the global athletics community.
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Competing against formidable athletes from around the world, including world marathon record holder Tigist Assefa, world 200m champion Shericka Jackson, world 400m hurdles champion Femke Bol, and world triple jump champion Yulimar Rojas, Faith Kipyegon's exceptional achievements set her apart and made her a deserving recipient of this esteemed award.
Kipyegon's journey to securing the title of World Athlete of the Year was paved with five incredible wins that showcased her extraordinary talent and determination.
Breaking three world records within weeks
Kipyegon's first groundbreaking achievement occurred on June 2, 2023, in Florence, Italy, during the Golden Gala Wanda Diamond League meeting.
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In a jaw-dropping performance, she shattered the women's world 1500m record with a scintillating time of 3:49:11, surpassing the previous record set by Ethiopia's Genzebe Dibaba in Monaco in July 2015.
Just one week later, on June 9, 2023, she continued her record-breaking spree by clocking an astonishing 14:04:20 in the women's world 5000m in Paris, France, solidifying her status as a world-class athlete.
Setting a milestone in Monaco
On July 3, 2023, Kipyegon added another record to her impressive resume by breaking the women's mile record in Monaco.
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She raced to victory with a time of 4:07:64, surpassing Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan's 2019 record of 4:12:33.
While this world record is still pending ratification by World Athletics, it is a testament to Kipyegon's relentless pursuit of excellence.
Sealing a hat trick of titles
In Budapest, Hungary, Kipyegon cemented her legacy as a dominant force in the 1500m race by winning with a time of 3:54:87 at the World Athletics Championships.
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Kipyegon fended off stern competition to win the highly coveted award, while fellow Kenyans Faith Cherotich and Emmanuel Wanyonyi have both won the Rising Star of the Year awards.
This historic victory marked her third consecutive title in the metric mile race, a remarkable feat that had never been achieved by any woman before.
Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji and Netherlands' Sifan Hassan claimed second and third place, respectively, but it was Kipyegon who reigned supreme.
Double victory in Budapest
August 2023 witnessed Faith Kipyegon's double triumph in Budapest, Hungary. Following her remarkable 1500m victory and world record-breaking performance, she once again shattered records in the 5000m race, crossing the finish line in 14:53:88.
Netherlands' Sifan Hassan trailed closely in second place with a time of 14:54:11, and Kenya's Beatrice Chebet secured the third spot with 14:54:33. Kipyegon's dominance in both distances showcased her versatility and unparalleled talent.
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Continued Diamond League success
Faith Kipyegon's remarkable season extended to the Diamond League, where she consistently proved her mettle.
In September 2023, she clinched her third Diamond League trophy at the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, USA, with a blistering time of 3:50:72 in the 1500m race.
Her earlier victories in the Diamond League included triumphs in Florence, Italy, and Monaco, making her a four-time Diamond League trophy winner.
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Reflecting on her remarkable achievements, Faith Kipyegon expressed her gratitude, saying, "Today is a beautiful closure of an amazing year for me. I am honored that my performances on the track have been recognized by the athletics community. I hope my achievements motivate and inspire many girls to do the same."
In a year filled with unprecedented accomplishments and world record-breaking performances, Faith Kipyegon's five sensational wins have solidified her place in the annals of athletics history.
Her dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her a deserving recipient of the Female World Athlete of the Year in track events.
As the world celebrates the incredible achievements of Faith Kipyegon and other outstanding athletes, it is clear that her legacy will continue to inspire generations of aspiring athletes to reach for the stars and push the boundaries of human potential.
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