Faith Kipyegon’s fiercest track competitor is set to begin her season with a world record attempt, aiming to make a strong statement after a disappointing 2024. Gudaf Tsegay, the Ethiopian middle and long-distance sensation, will headline the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais Trophee EDF in Lievin on Thursday, February 13. The event, part of the prestigious World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold series, marks her first competitive race of the year.
Tsegay had a challenging 2024 season, failing to live up to expectations despite entering the year as one of the top contenders in her events. The most controversial moment came during the 5000m race at the Olympics, where Faith Kipyegon was temporarily disqualified before her silver medal was reinstated. In that race, Tsegay finished a distant ninth, a disappointing result for the reigning world champion at the time.
Her struggles continued in the 1500m, where she finished 12th, and in the 10,000m, where she missed out on a podium finish by crossing the line in sixth place. Hoping to turn things around, she competed in the women’s-only Athlos meet organized by Alexis Ohanian but could only manage a fourth-place finish in the 1500m, a race dominated by Kipyegon.
Determined to start 2025 on a high note, Tsegay has set her sights on breaking the 3000m world record in Lievin. Last year, she came agonizingly close to the mark, clocking 8:17.11—just half a second shy of the current record. With renewed focus and motivation, she believes this could be the race where she finally etches her name into the record books.
The competition in Lievin will be fierce, with Tsegay lining up against a formidable field. Among her challengers is world indoor 1500m champion Freweyni Hailu, who recently set a world-leading time of 8:24.17 in Ostrava. Hailu has been in top form and will be looking to continue her winning streak.
Another strong contender is Nadia Battocletti, who gained immense confidence after securing a silver medal in the 10,000m at the Paris Olympics. She began her 2025 season with a dominant performance at the 68° Campaccio-International Cross Country and will be eager to challenge Tsegay and the Ethiopian contingent.
Also in the mix is Ethiopia’s Birke Haylom, who has shown great potential on the indoor circuit. The presence of such high-caliber athletes ensures that the race will be anything but a straightforward record attempt for Tsegay.
As Tsegay embarks on this ambitious journey, Faith Kipyegon will no doubt be watching closely. While the Kenyan superstar has yet to begin her 2025 campaign, the early performances of her main rival could set the tone for what promises to be another thrilling season of middle-distance battles.
With the World Championships on the horizon, Tsegay’s attempt in Lievin is more than just a record chase it is a statement of intent. She aims to reclaim her dominance and build momentum for the challenges ahead. If she succeeds in breaking the world record, it will serve as a powerful warning to Kipyegon and the rest of the field that she is back and ready for revenge.
