10 August 2024 will go down in the history of athletics as Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, already double Olympic champion in the 1,500m race, added a third gold medal to her record at the Paris Olympic Games. No other athlete, male or female, has ever achieved such a feat over this distance. At the age of 30, Kipyegon dominated the final at the Stade de France, setting a new Olympic record and consolidating her place among the legends of world sport.
Since her first Olympic victory in Rio in 2016, Kipyegon has continued to shine on the world stage. In 2021, she confirmed her status as 1,500m queen by winning gold in Tokyo. In Paris, she arrived under immense pressure, but also with an unshakeable determination to make history. This year’s final was a masterpiece of strategy and power. From the start of the race, Kipyegon set a sustained pace, taking the lead within the first few metres and never relinquishing that dominant position.
Her contenders, as formidable as they were, were unable to keep up with the frenetic pace set by the Kenyan. The spectators at the Stade de France, well aware of the importance of this moment, thrilled to her every stride. In the final lap, Kipyegon accelerated even further, crossing the finish line with a comfortable lead and setting a new Olympic record of 3 minutes 51 seconds and 11 hundredths.
This Olympic hat-trick is an historic first, making Faith Kipyegon not only an athletics legend, but also one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Her career is an example of perseverance, determination and excellence. After winning a silver medal in the 5,000m race a few days earlier, she proved that she still has a lot to offer world athletics.
Kipyegon’s victory sparked waves of celebrations across Kenya, where she is considered a national treasure. Messages of congratulations poured in from politicians, sportsmen and women and fans from all over the world. Her performance at the Paris Olympics is proof of her ability to stretch her limits, break barriers and go down in history as one of the greatest middle-distance runners the world has ever seen.
All in all, Faith Kipyegon has not only written a new page in the history of athletics, but she has also inspired future generations to strive for excellence, to believe in their dreams and to never give up, regardless of the difficulties. A remarkable achievement that will be remembered for years to come.
