Faith Kipyegon to Chase Historic 1500m Threepeat at Paris Olympics Against Tsegay

As the Paris Olympics draw near, Faith Kipyegon of Kenya is poised for a historic achievement in the 1500m race. She aims to become the first woman to win three titles in the same individual track event at the Olympics. Kipyegon will face fierce competition from a field that includes three of the five fastest 1500m runners in history, such as Gudaf Tsegay and Jessica Hull. Sifan Hassan, another strong contender, is also in the mix.

Kipyegon’s journey to this milestone has been marked by significant achievements, including a world record in the 1500m with a time of 3:49.11, and subsequent records in the 5000m and the mile. Despite a muscle injury early in the 2024 season, the 30-year-old bounced back with impressive performances at the Kenyan Olympic trials and broke her own 1500m world record in Paris with a time of 3:49.04.

Kipyegon’s dominance in the 1500m, unbeaten since 2021, positions her as a formidable competitor in Paris. She also aims for a 1500m and 5000m double at the Olympics, with the 5000m final on August 5, followed by the 1500m heats, semifinals, and final on August 6, 8, and 10, respectively.

Her main rival, Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, is in peak form, having set the world 5000m record and clocking the fourth-fastest 1500m time in history. Jessica Hull of Australia, Birke Haylom and Diribe Welteji of Ethiopia, and Great Britain’s Laura Muir are other strong contenders. Sifan Hassan’s versatility makes her a wildcard, as she has entered multiple events.

The U.S. team includes Nikki Hiltz, Emily Mackay, and Elle St. Pierre, adding to the intense competition Kipyegon will face in her quest for Olympic history.