Triple Olympic 1,500m gold medallist Faith Kipyegon is set to make her debut in the 10,000m this season, drawing confidence from cross-country races as she expands her track career.
Following a remarkable 2024 season, where she clinched her third Olympic gold and secured her fifth Diamond League title, Kipyegon is set to surprise many by stepping up to the 10,000m distance. Her participation has sparked speculation that she might even target a world record.
Kipyegon confirmed her entry for the event scheduled for Saturday, April 26, after the Diamond League highlighted her record-breaking performances in the 5,000m, 1,500m, and mile races from last year.
Despite missing the Xiamen event in 2024 due to injury, she concluded the year on a high note by winning the Diamond League trophy in Brussels. Her return to Xiamen marks the beginning of her quest for a historic sixth Diamond League title, a feat that would place her alongside Sandra Elkasevic as the most successful female athlete in the competition’s history.
Speaking to SportsBoom, Kipyegon reflected on her 2024 season, her potential transition to longer races, and the challenges of defending her titles. She notably broke her own 1,500m record at the Paris Diamond League, clocking 3:49.04, shaving 0.07 seconds off her previous mark.
At the Paris Olympics, she made history by winning a third consecutive 1,500m Olympic title while also securing silver in the 5,000m. Her dominance continued in the Rome Diamond League before she set a new record in Brussels, sealing her fifth Diamond League victory.
“My 2024 season was incredible. Winning a third Olympic medal and a silver in the 5,000m was a huge achievement. There were challenges, but I overcame them, and I’m looking forward to what this new season has in store,” said the 31-year-old.
Before her stellar 2024, Kipyegon had an equally impressive 2023, breaking three world records in under 50 days. She had kick-started that season with a victory at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country.
A Move to 10,000m?
Kipyegon emphasized the role of cross-country events in building her endurance, allowing her to balance both speed and stamina. She made her 5,000m debut at the World Championships in Budapest, where she clinched gold in 14:53.88 while also successfully defending her 1,500m title with a time of 3:54.87.
Now, she is gradually transitioning to the 10,000m, though she acknowledges the challenge of juggling multiple distances.
“It’s tough running 1,500m, 5,000m, and then moving to 10,000m. But cross-country races help me build endurance for these distances. This might be the year I finally switch to 10k,” she said.
Tribute to Agnes Tirop
As the interview concluded, Kipyegon paid tribute to the late Agnes Tirop, a highly accomplished cross-country runner who was tragically killed in 2021. Tirop, a two-time World Cross Country Championships medallist, left a lasting impact on the sport.
“Agnes was an exceptional runner, and her memory lives on. Every time we race in cross country, we pay tribute to her. Tirop’s Angels continues her legacy, and she will always be in our hearts,” Kipyegon said.
However, Kipyegon’s latest cross-country outing ended prematurely as she was forced to drop out in the final lap of the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country event.
