Kipyegon shatters another world record in Herculis

Faith Kipyegon celebrates her world mile record in Monaco | Photo Credit: © AFP / Getty Images

ATHLETICS Kipyegon shatters another world record in Herculis

Shafic Kiyaga 06:02 - 22.07.2023

The Olympic and world champion has surged across Europe akin to a latter-day Caesar, leaving spectators in awe with her formidable performance on Friday, July 21.

In a display of unprecedented dominance, Kenya's Faith Kipyegon has set her third world record within 50 days at the Herculis meeting in Monaco.

The Olympic and world champion has surged across Europe akin to a latter-day Caesar, leaving spectators in awe with her formidable performance on Friday, July 21.

Kipyegon's record-breaking journey began in Florence on June 2, when she became the first woman to complete a 1500m race in under 3:50.

This feat was quickly followed by her shattering the 5000m record in Paris. In Monaco, the star athlete turned her focus to the mile, conquering the world record with an astonishing 4:07.64.

Despite the humid evening conditions, Kipyegon was focused on the task at hand. From the get-go, she settled into an effortless rhythm, matching the world record pace set by the track's flashing lights.

However, at the final lap, she turned up the heat, charging forward like a prized pugilist.

She punched the world record into oblivion with every stride, finishing more than four seconds faster than the standard set by her long-time rival, Sifan Hassan, on the same track four years prior.

A thrilled Kipyegon said post-race, “I really enjoyed the race. I came for that, I wanted to chase the world record.”

"I have to say thank God for this. I really enjoyed the race…. When I started this season, my goal was to just break the 1500 WR.”

“It was still in my head and in my mind. Thank God I did also the 1 mile and the 5000. So many,” she expressed her delight.

Her performance was indeed noteworthy, winning the race by nearly seven seconds despite six runners setting national records, three setting area records, and 11 setting personal best times.

Ciara Mageean of Ireland claimed second place with a national record of 4:14.58, followed by Ethiopia's Freweyni Hailu.

National records were also established by Great Britain's Laura Muir, Australia's Jessica Hull, USA's Nikki Hiltz, France's Berenice Cleyet-Merle, and Venezuela's Joselyn Daniely Brea.

As Kipyegon continues to redefine the boundaries of athletic performance, the anticipation is high for her next event at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23.

Here, she intends to compete in both the 1500m and 5000m categories, seeking to complete a rare and astounding double.

With her current form, it is one of the few remaining feats she has yet to accomplish.