Multiple world and Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has given reasons why her 2023 World Athlete of the Year Award is dedicated to all middle-distance runners in the world
Multiple world and Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has dedicated her World Athlete of the Year Award to all middle-distance runners in the world due to the love and support they showed her in 2023.
Kipyegon was feted as the 2023 Female Athlete of the Year, Track, after what was an impressive season that saw her break three world records and win two gold medals at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
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While admitting that the award capped a wonderful year, Kipyegon revealed how she was taken aback by her rivals who mobbed her and celebrated with her when she broke world records in Florence (1,500m) and Monaco (Mile), a gesture the mother of one feels deserves recognition.
“It is the closure of a beautiful season of 2023 and getting this trophy has filled my season,” Kipyegon told World Athletics.
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“When I look back at the moment and think of obstacles and the hard work I have put into this level, it is an amazing achievement. I thank World Athletics, fans, and everybody who supported me through this long journey towards success.
“This award, I dedicate it to all middle-distance runners because for them to come and celebrate with me in Monaco and Florence really touched and melted my heart to know that in all that we do, we also have humanity and love. It was really special.”
Kipyegon set a new world record in the 1,500m in Florence, Italy in June before lowering the 5,000m mark in Paris, France a week later and she would go on to break the Mile world record in Monaco in July although that record was later shattered.
She then went to Budapest as the athlete to beat in her specialty, 1500, and effortlessly defended her title, making it three gold medals at the Worlds over the distance, before she added the icing on the cake by claiming a second gold in Hungary when she won the 5,000m race.
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