In Tokyo
Multiple Olympics and world champion, Faith Kipyegon, has tipped Kenya to stage a clean sweep of medals in Tuesday’s final race of the women’s 1,500 metres at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Speaking moments after leading Dorcas Ewoi, and Nelly Chepchirchir to the final of women’s 1,500m race on Sunday, Kipyegon said Kenya has what it takes to stage a clean sweep of medals here on Tuesday.
“The plan was that the four of us all make it to the final. Unfortunately, Susan (Ejore) did not make it but the three of us who made it hope to finish in the top three in the final on Tuesday,” Kipyegon said.
Kenya's Faith Kipyegon (centre) on her way to winning the women's 1500m semi-final race at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on September 14, 2025.
Photo credit: Reuters
Kipyegon holds three Olympic titles over the distance from Rio de Janeiro (2016), Tokyo (2020) and Paris (2024).
She also holds the world 1,500m and 5,000m titles from 2023 World Athletics Championships held in Budapest.
On Saturday, Kipyegon took the first step towards retaining her world 1,500m title, winning the first semi-final heat in 4:00:34 ahead of Ewoi (4:00:65), and Ethiopia’s Freweyini Hallu (4:01:03).
Chepchirchir won the second semi-final heat in 4 minutes, 06.86 seconds ahead of Australia’s Jesica Hull (4:06:87), and American Nikki Hiltz (4:07:04). Ejore finished seventh in 4:09:28.
Although Kipyegon is the overwhelming favourite to win the 1,500m title, the 31-year-old is aware of the challenge that her opponents present.
“Every year is a different ball game. You can see that many people are falling (getting tripped) in races, but I hope I will be in good shape on Tuesday and focus on the bigger goal. We will ensure we run a beautiful race on Tuesday, then focus on the next one,” she said.
Kipyegon will also seek to retain the women’s 5,000m race which she won in Budapest in 2023. She will come up against, among others, her fellow countrywoman Beatrice Chebet who is the Olympics champion over the distance.
Kipyegon said she is happy with the progress of Ewoi, who finished second behind her in the first heat.
Kenya's Nelly Chepchirchir (right) crosses the line to win the women's 1500m semi-final 2 ahead of Australia's Jessica Hull and Nikki Hiltz of the US at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on September 14, 2025.
Photo credit: Reuters
“I was so happy to see her behind me after we had run 200 metres. I could still see her behind me, and she was in the top two, so I decided to increase the pace a little bit so we all qualify for the final. I was happy to see her at the finish, in second place. I am so happy that she has qualified for the final,” Kipyegon said of the 26-year-old US-based athlete.
After crossing the finish line, Kipyegon immediately turned back to congratulate Ewoi and the two shared a warm hug on the red artificial running track at Tokyo National Stadium for a few moments.
“I believe that when I move to the 5,000m or 10,000m, the 1,500m race is still in safe hands,” Kipyegon said.
Afterwards, Ewoi spoke of her joy in running alongside one of the finest middle distance athletes of her generation.
“It just feels great to be running with Faith. I know she wasn’t running hard, but the motivation she gave me was at another level. When I saw Faith, I told myself that I can make it, and here we are,” Ewoi said.
