Kenyan Becomes First Woman To Claim 1500-5000m Double
Kenyan long-distance runner Faith Kipyegon became the first woman ever to complete a 1,500-5,000 metres double at the World Athletics Championships after she raced to victory in the 5,000m event on Saturday in Budapest, Hungary.
Four days after she won the 1,500m, the two-time Olympic gold medallist surged away from Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan down the home straight to cross in 14 minutes 53.88 seconds for another glorious finish.
Kipyegon’s two golds from Budapest cap a remarkable season in which she broke three world records, in the 1,500m, mile and 5,000m.
“This has been an amazing year for me. Making history today, winning two gold medals in a championships is what I was dreaming for this season,” Kipyegon said.
“I have been patient waiting to be able to break world records and win double golds. But my dream just came true, it is amazing. I have been pushing myself to the limits and I will continue to push myself in the future.”
Kipyegon has credited her five-year-old daughter Alyne for giving her inspiration.
“My daughter gives me amazing support, she always tells me I can do it,” she said. “I believed in myself. I have been consistent, focused on the finish line and on writing history.
“The race was not easy. It was an tactical one but I am mentally stable and have managed to push myself.”
Hassan, bronze medallist in the 1,500, upgraded to silver with 14:54.11 in the 5,000m. The 30-year-old endured a gruelling triple challenge in Budapest, opening the worlds with a heartbreaking fall just 20 metres from the finish line in the 10,000m.
Beatrice Chebet of Kenya won the bronze in 14:54.33.
The gift that keeps on giving 🎁
🇰🇪’s Faith Kipyegon blazes to 5000m gold after a scintillating final lap in 56 seconds 🚀
14:53.88 for the win.#WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/VDgeHxSY15
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 26, 2023
