Faith Kipyegon sets new record at the 1500m race in the Paris Diamond League

Paris, 

Sunday, 7 July, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon of Kenya broke her own 1,500m world record at the Paris Diamond League on Sunday, as she clocked a new 3:49.04 record to take seven-hundredths of a second off her previous record of 3:49.11, set just over a year ago at the 2023 Florence Diamond League. 

The new record had crashed an Oceania area record for Australia’s Jessica Hull, who ran 3:50.83. 

There were two pacers for the race–one for Kipyegon and one for the rest of the field, but the courageous Hull made the decision to go with Kipyegon early, and tailed her closely throughout the race, even well after the bell. Kipyegon finally pulled away in the final 200 metres. 

Kipyegon received warm congratulations from home led by President William Ruto who also recognized Amos Serem and Abraham Kibiwott for clinching second and third places in the men's 3000m steeplechase.

"Faith Kipyegon has once again made history. Congratulations on breaking your own record in the 1500m race. Your victory is a testament to the rewards of hard work and determination, a valuable lesson to the aspiring young athletes who look up to you." Ruto posted on X. 

"Kudos to Amos Serem and Abraham Kibiwott for clinching second and third places in the men's 3000m steeplechase.

We are proud of Team Kenya for their outstanding representation at the Paris Diamond League."The President added. 

Opposition leader Raila Odinga also send his congratulations 

" Faith Kipyegon, your great feat of breaking your own Women's 1500m world record in Paris is truly motivating. Your dedication and passion power the ambitions of Kenya's athletes and youth. Keep running and shining!" Raila wrote. 

In addition to the 1,500m, Kipyegon holds the world record in the mile and is the former 5,000m world record holder. She is the reigning Olympic and world champion in the 1,500m and the 2023 world champion in the 5,000m. 

Kipyegon is positioned as favorite to defend her Olympic 1,500m title in Paris in a month’s time.