Faith Kipyegon: “I didn’t think about the world record’’
The 1500m double Olympic and World champion set up a new record in the space of just a week after winning the 5,000m in a new World Record time of 14:05:20 at the Paris Diamond League on Friday.
Kipyegon not only won the race in World Record time, but convincingly beat the holder of the previous mark, Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey in 2020 in Spain.
“I didn’t think about the world record, I don’t know how I made it,” said a delighted and surprised Kipyegon.
“I just focused on the green light and tried to stay relaxed and enjoy the race. When I saw that it was a world record, I was so surprised – I just wanted to improve on my PB, the world record was not my plan. I just ran after Gidey – she is an amazing lady.
“I do not know what will be next – I’ll have to discuss it with my coach and my management,” she added. “If my body is healthy, anything is possible.”
Kipyegon shaved almost a second and a half off the previous mark of 14:06.62 set by the Ethiopian.
She took the lead with about 600 meters to go, but Gidey kept close contact. They were about six seconds outside of the world record pace, but Gidey also knew what Kipyegon was capable of. The world 10,000m champion knew that Kipyegon had the finishing speed to break Gidey’s world record.
Kipyegon –who obliterated the women's 1,500 metres world record with a 3:49.11 run at the Florence Diamond League- had travelled to Paris with the sole aim of enjoying a longer distance and seeking endurance.
Tags: Faith Kipyegon Paris Diamond League Letesenbet Gidey
