Faith Kipyegon competes in the elite women's 10km race at the 4th Edition of Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour at Lobo Village in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County on February 22, 2025.
Despite failing to finish a race for the first time in her career as an elite athlete when she dropped out of the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country on Saturday, 31-year-old Faith Kipyegon has promised her fans that there is plenty more to come from her this season and beyond.
Kipyegon, who made history by completing a hat-trick of Olympic women’s 1,500m titles in Paris last year besides bagging a silver medal in 5,000m, is focused on defending her 1,500m and 5,000m world titles in Tokyo in September.
“I would like to challenge myself with strong athletes. You can only be the best when running with the best,” said Kipyegon after dropping out of the Sirikwa Classic while lying second behind eventual winner Agnes Ng’etich, citing feeling unwell..
Does she feel the pressure of everyone expecting her to win in any event she enters in.
“Not at all. I am easy whichever way I perform. I know most of my fans, especially those, who have not done sports, will not understand our situation. Rarely do they know our struggles but they want us to perform and I fully understand their situation because they want the best for us. But I take it in my stride whatever the outcome of my races,” said Kipyegon.
The Kenyan golden girl of athletics said that she never lets noise from outside distract her.
“This is sports and anything can happen when you decide to try out new ventures. You can win sometimes and lose at the same time…the outcome can be different,” said Kipyegon pointing out her performance at the Olympics.
Kipyegon made history as the first woman to win three Olympic titles over 1,500m. Kiyegon lost to compatriot Beatrice Chebet as Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan settled for bronze in the 5,000m.
Chebet went on to win gold in 10,000m as Hassan, who claimed bronze, stepped up to win gold in the marathon.
Kipyegon also made history at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary where she became the first woman to complete three titles won in 1,500m at the world championships.
She in fact became the first woman to win both 5,000m and 1,500m titles at the 2023 World Championships the same year she set three world records in 1,500m, One Mile and 5,000m.
“I am never under pressure since it’s always my desire to compete against Chebet, Sifan and Gudaf Tsegay among others. Any day, any challenge is most welcome since that is how one becomes great,” said Kipyegon.
She said that her preparations under coach Patrick Sang and her training regime at Global Sports Management gave her the confidence to excel.
“Above all, being disciplined, doing the right thing and being at the right place at the right time are some of the reasons that make me perform. It’s not difficult being myself because I have faith and I believe in my training,” stated Kipyegon.
She reckoned her endurance and speed will be tested as she combines participating in middle and distance races.
Kipyego will start her track season with a 1,000m race at Xiamen Diamond League on April 26 in China.
She said she drew her inspiration from two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge who stated that every race and every year presents a different ball game.
“I can’t say I will win everything in 2025,” she said.
Be sure, Kipyegon will no doubt want to continue doing what she does best - win races.
