Jessica Hull explains how Faith Kipyegon looking back at her at Paris Diamond League boosted her confidence

Jessica Hull explains how Faith Kipyegon looking back at her at Paris Diamond League boosted her confidence

Abigael Wafula 11:32 - 14.07.2024

Jessica Hull noted that noticing Faith Kipyegon looking back at her at the Diamond League Meeting in Paris is a confidence booster ahead of the Paris Olympic Games.

Newly-crowned 2000m world record holder Jessica Hull has disclosed how racing against Faith Kipyegon at the Diamond League Meeting in Paris gave her confidence going to the Diamond League Meeting in Monaco.

Hull finished second behind Kipyegon at the meeting, clocking 3:50.83 to cross the finish line. Kipyegon shattered the world record at the event, lowering her previous record from 3:49.14 to 3:49.04.

Olympic Games 1500m silver medallist Laura Muir completed the podium, clocking a personal best time of 3:53.79. Hull disclosed that seeing Kipyegon looking back a few times during the race was a sign that she was on the right track and her form has greatly improved.

Follow the Pulse Sports Kenya X (Twitter) handle for more updates.

“That was incredible! I have worked so hard over the last few weeks, and I wanted to see what I could do. I felt amazing out there, and couldn´t believe it. I knew Faith kept looking back at me in the back straight, and I thought I must be running really fast here if she is worried,” Hull said.

“I mean, I knew I was really fit. Training has been perfect, and did not want to hold it until next month because I had it in me today. I am just starting to trust that work, and I am so proud of what I just did,” she added.

The Australian middle-distance runner maintained her hot streak to the Diamond League Meeting in Monaco where she broke the 2000m world record.

She clocked a stunning 5:19.70 to win the race ahead of Melissa Courtney-Bryant and Edinah Jebitok who finished second and third in respective times of 5:26.08 and 5:26.09.

“It was incredible, when I was on my own in the last lap, everyone was cheering for me. The wavelights also helped, I was just looking at the lights hoping that they don´t catch me,” she said concerning the world record.

“It is amazing to be called a world record holder now. The last 200m were a long way, I didn´t want to let down the spectators. I ran hard for this record, I worked extremely hard for this too,” she added.