Faith Kipyegon on how she set second world record in a week

By Peter Ochieng

Faith Kipyegon is not just about to be stopped.

A week after setting a new World Record in the 1, 500m race during the Florance Diamond League in Italy, the Kenyan was at it again on Friday night.

She broke the 5,000m World record, during the Wanda Diamond League, in the French Capital, Paris.

She reached the finish line in a time of 14:05.20, ahead of second placed Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia.

Gidey held the previous record of 14:06:62, a feat achieved in Valencia, in 2020.

That means Kipyegon lowered her time with a 1.42-second improvement.

Unlike last week when she said she planned to break the 1,500m record, this time round Kipyegon did it minus having thought of going for the world record.

“I didn’t think about the world record, I don’t know how I made it. I just focused on the green light and tried to stay relaxed and enjoy the race. When I saw that it was a world record, I was so surprised – I just wanted to improve on my personal best, the world record was not my plan. I just ran after Gidey," she said.

“I do not know what will be next – I’ll have to discuss it with my coach and my management. If my body is healthy, anything is possible.”

Commenting on her latest record, President William Ruto said winning mindset is the formula for greatness.

"Tenacity, focus, hunger for excellence, and a winning mindset are the formula for greatness. Faith Kipyegon has done it again. Another World Record this time in the 5,000 metres. What an athlete! What an inspiration! What a champion! Congratulations, Kenya is immensely proud of you."

Kipyegon is a World and Olympic champion.