Despite a setback at the Sirikwa Classic, Faith Kipyegon remains optimistic about the upcoming season, with hopes for faster times and new records. The double world champion’s participation in the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour was marred by an unfortunate did not finish (DNF) result, but Kipyegon is determined to bounce back stronger.
Her much-anticipated season opener at the Lobo Village in Eldoret did not go as planned. Competing in challenging conditions hot sun and strong winds Kipyegon struggled with fatigue and ultimately withdrew from the race. The three-time Olympic 1500m champion had been eyeing a repeat of her 2023 victory, but it was Agnes Ngetich who claimed the win.
Despite this early setback, Kipyegon remains hopeful and is eager to recover and perform well in the upcoming races. She is particularly excited about her upcoming participation in the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen, where she will compete in the 1000m race. This event will mark her first race of the season, and Kipyegon has expressed confidence in her fitness, stating that she is healthy and ready for the challenges ahead.
The Olympic 5000m silver medalist also revealed her intentions to break her own world record, especially in the mile. Kipyegon set the previous world record in the mile at the Diamond League Meeting in Monaco, clocking an impressive 4:07.64 to secure a victory. She expressed her hope of lowering this time further in the near future.
“For me, the 1500m or the mile is still the same,” Kipyegon said during a pre-race press conference. “There’s not much difference between the two distances, and I’m hopeful that this year will bring even faster times than last year. The 2024 season was really good, and I hope 2025 will be even better.”
Looking back at her 2024 season, Kipyegon faced a series of challenges that hindered her early performances. She experienced an injury setback that delayed the start of her campaign, and although she was confirmed for several Diamond League Meetings, she was forced to withdraw from some of them. She eventually began her season at the Kenyan Olympic trials, where she triumphed in both the 1500m and 5000m events, marking a solid start to her season.
The highlight of her year came at the Paris Olympics, where she faced a controversial 5000m race. Kipyegon finished second behind Beatrice Chebet, but was disqualified for a minute due to obstruction. Despite the controversy, Kipyegon bounced back in spectacular fashion, winning the 1500m gold to successfully defend her Olympic title.
After the Olympics, Kipyegon continued her winning streak, securing victories in the Diamond League. She took first place in the 1500m at the Diamond League Meeting in Rome, followed by another victory at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels, where she claimed her fifth diamond trophy. Her season concluded with a commanding win at Athlos, a women-only event hosted by Alexis Ohanian.
As she looks ahead to the 2025 season, Kipyegon remains focused on maintaining her form and continuing to break records. She hopes to replicate her success from last year and even improve upon it, setting new benchmarks in her career. With her optimism and determination, Faith Kipyegon is primed for another exciting year on the track.
