Kipyegon finishes third as Ethiopia's Welteji takes gold in the women's road mile in Latvia

Riga, 

Sunday, 1 October, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

Ethipia's Diribe Welteji produced a stunning performance to down Kenya's Faith Kipyegon in the Women's road mile at the World Athletics championships Road Running Championships in Riga on Sunday. 

The Ethiopian clocked 4:20.98, shattering the world record held by USA's Nikki Hiltz.

The Ethiopian Dominated race saw yet another Ethiopian Freweyni Hailu take Silver in 4:23.06, also being her first time on the podium in a road race. 

A highly appreciated champion Kipyegon comfortably led the race but an inspired Welteji couldn't get off her heels. Welteji edged Kipyegon towards the finish line to finish on top of the podium Kipyegon settling in third at 4:24.13,. 

It seemed more of a perfect comeback for 21 year old Welteji who had finished second behind Kipyegon in the women's 1500m at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August. 

Despite the result,Kipyegon completed a perfect season run having won the Diamond League in Doha, Qatar, on May 5. Where She clocked a historic 3:58.57 .

"After an incredible year with 3 World Records and 2 World titles on the track, I'm proud to finish the season with another World Championships medal in my first road race ever. 2023, you were amazing. And now… holiday and family time. See you all in 2024." Kipyegon wrote in her Facebook account. 

She also won 1500m race at the Golden Gala in Rome/Florence on June 2 where she clocked a world record 3:49.11,. 

On June 9 a week later from her win in Rome, She went to Paris and shattered the 5000m world record, clocking 14:05.20, to beat world record holder Letesenbet Gidey.

She then won the 1500m in the Diamond League final on September 16.

Kipyegon also won two gold medals in the 1500m and 5000m at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary on August.