The double-world record holder will feature in the 1,500 and 5,000m at the Word Championships after leading from gun to tape at the National Trials.
Stargirl Faith Kipyegon has yet again proven to be unbeatable after cruising to the finish line in the women’s 5,000m at the ongoing World Championships National Trials on Friday.
Kipyegon cut the tape in 14:53.90 ahead of closest challenger Lilian Kasait, who clocked 14:56.50. Margaret Chelimo finished third in 15:07.49.
15:30 - 07.07.2023
LIVE: Kenyan Trials - Nicholas Kimeli wins the 10,000m men final and books his ticket to Budapest World Championships
Welcome to our live coverage as the first and second athletes across the line are guaranteed a place in the plane to Budapest.
The race started slowly with double-world record holder Kipyegon leading the entire pack from gun to tape. After five laps, Kipyegon had taken the mantle with Kasait and Kipkemboi following closely.
After seven laps, Kipyegon was still leading the pack which had now been dropped to three athletes and Caroline Nyaga was trying hard to keep up with the trio but unfortunately faded to finish in 15:33.75.
In the final lap, the battle was between Kasait and Kipyegon and both looked strong and ready for title contention but the two-time Olympic champion proved too strong for Kasait as she cruised smoothly to the finish line.
She expressed her excitement towards winning the 5,000m and noted that she hopes to double in the 1,500m and 5,000m in Budapest.
12:00 - 07.07.2023
ATHLETICS Why Faith Kipyegon will not be competing in the 1500m at the National Trials
Kipyegon had been invited for both races but she has since been exempted from the 1500m and will only compete in the 5000m race.
“I am very happy to have won the 5,000m and I will see if I can double at the World Championships. My goal was to double next year at the Olympics but I’m glad this win has come this early,” she said.