Once again, she won it for Kenya. She won it for her daughter. And She did it for all mothers out there. Though many think that being a mom and a professional athlete does not go hand-in-hand, Faith Kipyegon is proving to the world that motherhood is making her a better runner. She clinched her fourth global title in Women's 1500m final in Oregon World Athletics Championships 2022 at Hayward Field.
Kipyegon finished the race with with a remarkable time 3:52.96 to reclaim her title from 2017. Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay came second for a silver while Laura Muir won bronze.
Just like Tokyo 2020, Kipyegon dedicated her gold medel from Eugene to her 4 years daughter, Alyn. “This is also for her,” said the mother. “When I look at her she gives me joy and she gives me strength to work hard.”
Faith’s inspiration from her daughter was with her from the starting gun at Hayward field to the finish line on the race many will remember for a breath-taking pace and intensity.
“I have to say I am thankful for my second gold medal,” said Kipyegon, who won the 2017 title and silver in 2019, almost a year after having a baby. “I am so grateful. I am really happy that I have won this race in Oregon. It was my target to win. I knew I was the best. I wanted to defend my title from 2017 and have the flag of Kenya.”
The two time Olympic gold medalist showed the world her undisputable place at the top as she sustained the fast start of the race by the three Ethiopians in the field — Gudaf Tsegay, Hirut Meshesha and Freweyni Hailu.
“It was not easy. Ethiopians were three in the race. I know they are a training mate. I knew they were planning something special. I was well prepared. I thank my coach. I thank my management, my husband and my daughter for all the support. If the course was to be broken here, I knew I was going to be the one to do it,” said the 28 years old.
Though she believes that she is the best in the business, that did not save Kipyegon from being under pressure. “There was a pressure because everyone was expecting really special things for me saying ‘we have faith and we believe in faith. So I was running under a lot of pressure. Thank God I have won and I showed I am still strong,’ she said.
Her rival’s strategy in field by itself speaks a lot about the Kenyan’s unmatchable authority in 1500 meters. Ethiopians coaching team seemed to go for a team work to outdo the inevitable danger from Kipyegon. It failed when the Ethiopian teammates run out of energy to execute their own plan after Tsegay led the runners through the first lap in 58.81 seconds.
“I knew this race was going to be fast because Gudaf Tsegay does not know how to run staying at the back. She is a front runner. I knew she was going to push the race,” said Kipyegon before showing her gratitude to her fans.
“Thank for the prayers and thank you for believing in me,” said Faith.
Abiy W.Mekonnen
