Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon underlined her status as one of the all-time greats of distance running by sealing a historic 1500m/5000m double at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on Saturday.
After claiming a third world 1500m title on Tuesday, Kipyegon delivered another masterclass, this time in the 5,000m, to win her second gold in the Hungarian capital. The 29-year-old bided her time and produced a perfectly calm last lap for the win in 14min 53.88sec, her victory underlining her dominance this season, especially given that the field contained six of the 10 fastest women of all time.
Dutch rival Sifan Hassan claimed silver in 14:54.11, with another Kenyan, Beatrice Chebet, taking bronze (14:54.33).
Read Also: Kipyegon On Track For Double World Record in Budapest
Kipyegon, who celebrated with her fans in the crowd after her lap of honour, giving high-fives out to Kenyan supporters, said: “This has been an amazing year for me,” adding: “Making history today, winning two gold medals in a championship is what I was dreaming for this season.”
She continued: “I have been patient waiting to be able to break world records and win double golds. But my dream just came true, it is amazing. I have been pushing myself to the limits and I will continue to push myself in the future. I believed in myself. I have been consistent, focused on the finish line and on writing history.”
Kipyegon had already won gold in the 1,500m race.