Kenyan duo Faith Kipyegon and Mary Moraa secured victory and second place in the 1500m and 800m events respectively at the women-only track and field event at Athlos NYC 2024.

At the prestigious Athlos track and field event held in New York, three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon delivered a stellar performance, securing victory in the 1500m race. Kipyegon, known for her extraordinary prowess in middle-distance running, added yet another victory to her already illustrious career. This event, designed exclusively for women, brought together top-tier athletes from around the globe.

Faith Kipyegon was joined by two other talented Kenyan athletes, Mary Moraa and Susan Ejore-Sanders, both of whom demonstrated their prowess in their respective events. Moraa, a world champion in her own right, competed in the 800m race, while Ejore-Sanders raced alongside Kipyegon in the 1500m.

The 1500m race saw Kipyegon face stiff competition from Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji. However, the Kenyan superstar appeared calm and composed throughout, confidently controlling the race. With her signature kick in the final stages, Kipyegon brushed off Welteji’s challenge and cruised to victory with an impressive time of 4:04.4. Susan Ejore-Sanders, also representing Kenya, took third place in the same race, clocking a commendable 4:06.25, securing a double podium finish for Kenya in the 1500m.

Following her victory, Kipyegon expressed her gratitude and shared insights into what motivates her continued success. In her victory speech, she acknowledged the many people and influences from her homeland that inspire her. Starting her competitive running career at the young age of fifteen, she has maintained her form and passion for over a decade, continuously pushing the boundaries of what she can achieve.

The 800m race was another highly anticipated event of the day, especially with the participation of Olympic silver medalist Tsige Duguma from Ethiopia and Kenya’s Mary Moraa. From the start, Duguma took command of the race, setting an aggressive pace and sticking to the inside lane with precision. Moraa stayed close behind, challenging the Ethiopian with every stride. However, as the race neared its conclusion, Duguma showcased her superior endurance and executed a powerful surge in the final meters, pulling away to secure the win with a time of 1:57.43. Mary Moraa gave a valiant effort but ultimately finished in second place with a time of 1:58.05, solidifying her position as one of the world’s best in the 800m.

In other events, the 200m race proved to be one of the most exciting highlights of the competition. Olympic silver medalist Brittany Brown took on reigning Olympic champion Gabby Thomas in what was expected to be a close contest. The race lived up to its billing, with Brown edging out Thomas in a thrilling finish. Brown, who had earlier competed in the 100m race and finished second, used that experience to her advantage. The warm-up helped her familiarize herself with the track, which gave her the edge she needed to secure victory in the 200m with a time of 22.18 seconds. Thomas, always a fierce competitor, was not far behind, crossing the line in 22.21 seconds.

The sprint events were just as captivating, especially in the 100m hurdles race, where Diamond League champion and Olympic bronze medalist Jasmine Camacho-Quinn continued her strong form. Camacho-Quinn has been on a remarkable streak since the Olympics, and she didn’t disappoint in New York. Her flawless hurdling technique and speed carried her to victory with a time of 12.36 seconds. American hurdler Alaysha Johnson finished in second place, just behind Camacho-Quinn, with a time of 12.43 seconds. Olympic champion Masai Russell, after a challenging start, managed to fight her way back into contention, finishing third with a time of 12.44 seconds.

The 100m final was another hotly contested event, with Africa’s fastest woman, Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith, coming out on top. The Ivorian sprinter, who had been battling injuries throughout the season, displayed incredible resilience and form. Ta Lou-Smith stormed to the finish line in 10.98 seconds, capping off a tough season with a well-earned victory. Brittany Brown, continuing her impressive day of competition, took second place in the 100m with a time of 11.05 seconds, further cementing her status as a world-class sprinter.

In the 400m race, Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic extended her unbeaten streak with another commanding performance. Paulino, known for her smooth running style and strong finishes, ran a near-perfect race, clocking 49.59 seconds. Her victory continued her reign as one of the best in the world over 400m. America’s Alexis Holmes, a gold medalist in the 4x100m relay at the Olympics, put up a great fight but had to settle for second place with an impressive time of 49.99 seconds.

The Athlos event in New York showcased the best of women’s track and field, with athletes from around the world delivering thrilling performances in every race. For Kipyegon, this victory reaffirmed her status as a dominant force in middle-distance running. Her rivalry with Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay has been one of the most compelling storylines in athletics in recent years, and though Tsegay did not compete in this event, Kipyegon’s win adds fuel to the anticipation of their next showdown.

Despite the intense competition, Kipyegon’s experience and tactical acumen continue to set her apart. Her ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver when it matters most is a testament to her training and mental fortitude. The 1500m victory in New York is just another chapter in what has been a remarkable career for the Kenyan star, and she shows no signs of slowing down.

For Mary Moraa, the 800m race served as another reminder of her potential. Although she finished second, Moraa’s time of 1:58.05 is world-class, and she remains a top contender in future events. Tsige Duguma’s victory was a demonstration of tactical brilliance, as she controlled the race from the start and had enough in reserve to fend off Moraa’s challenge in the final stretch.

Brittany Brown’s double performance in both the 100m and 200m races was one of the standout stories of the event. Competing at such a high level in multiple sprints on the same day is no small feat, and Brown’s ability to execute in both events speaks volumes about her speed, endurance, and mental focus. Her victory over Gabby Thomas in the 200m will surely give her confidence heading into future competitions.

The 100m hurdles also provided a thrilling spectacle, with Jasmine Camacho-Quinn continuing to assert her dominance in the event. Her flawless technique over the hurdles and her ability to maintain top speed between them make her a formidable opponent for anyone in the field. Alaysha Johnson’s second-place finish and Masai Russell’s third-place effort were also commendable, showcasing the depth of talent in the event.

Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith’s victory in the 100m was a feel-good moment for the Ivorian sprinter, who has had to overcome injury setbacks throughout the season. Her return to form with a sub-11 second performance was a testament to her determination and hard work. Brittany Brown, again finishing in second place in this event, showed her consistency across multiple races, adding another strong performance to her resume.

Finally, Marileidy Paulino’s dominance in the 400m continues to be one of the key narratives in women’s athletics. Paulino’s unbeaten streak this season is a reflection of her incredible talent and ability to perform under pressure. Her time of 49.59 seconds in New York is yet another reminder that she is the woman to beat in the 400m. Alexis Holmes, with her second-place finish, also deserves credit for her strong performance, as she continues to build on her Olympic success.

The Athlos event in New York provided a platform for some of the best female athletes in the world to showcase their talent, and the performances did not disappoint. From Kipyegon’s tactical brilliance to Brown’s sprinting versatility and Paulino’s dominance, the event was a celebration of women’s athletics at the highest level. The future looks incredibly bright for all of these athletes as they continue to push the limits of their abilities on the world stage.