Faith Kipyegon is a double world athletics champion in 2023.
The Kenyan, racing in just her sixth competitive 5000m, clinched victory on Saturday night (26 August) at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, to add to 1500m gold earlier in the week.
She came to Budapest as the holder of three world records in 1500m, 5000m and One Mile, all set this year.
She set the records inside 50 days, drawing comparisons with Kenyan athlete Henry Rono who broke four world records over 81 days in 1978.
“It’s difficult to make a choice between 1,500m and 5,000m. You know the 1,500m is very close to my heart. I came here chiefly to try and defend my 1,500m title. The next plan is to compete in the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League,” she said.
“I dedicate this medal to my husband Timothy Kitum. He has been very supportive and he is an amazing husband,” Kipyegon said of her husband, the 2012 Olympics 800m bronze medallist with whom they have a daughter named Alyen.
Kipyegon now becomes the first woman to win both the 1500m and 5000m gold medals at the same world championships.
The athlete, who trains under coach Patrick Sang, is excited at the prospect of being nominated for the 2023 Female Athlete of the Year Award.