In sports, some people go beyond what we think humans can do. Faith Kipyegon, a runner from Kenya, is one of those amazing athletes. In 2023, she did incredible things that will be remembered in sports history books. The Kenyan double Olympic champion broke three track world records in three different track distances in just under two months. Looking for someone Breaking Barriers in 2023: Faith Kipyegon is your lady. So, which records did Faith Kipyegon break? Let’s examine them.
1. 1,500m Women’s
Can you think of any athlete who had a better season than Faith Kipyegon? We’ll give you some time. Until 2023, Kipyegon was already the most unbeatable athlete in the 1,500m, but she hadn’t broken the world record yet.
On June 2 at the Florence Diamond League, it was her moment. A mother of one, surpassed everyone else, clocking an incredible 3:49.11 and claimed the record. Never before had any woman crossed the 3:50 mark. But, surprise! The double Olympic champion had some groundbreaking news for everyone.
The old record of 3:50:07 was achieved by Genzebe Dibaba from Ethiopia back in 2015.
“This is incredible. I dedicate this world record to all mothers, proving that anything is achievable. I’ve already told them that taking maternity leave and returning makes you stronger than ever before. And I’ve demonstrated that everything is possible,” Kipyegon shared after the race.
Faith Kipyegon
Her Motherhood Journey
In 2018, Kipyegon became a mother, a decision she made after feeling anxious about balancing her athletic career with starting a family. Speaking to Runner’s World, she mentioned how these two aspects of her life troubled her as she worried about missing out on financial opportunities and the competitive side of her career.
“I was really scared. I thought I might not return, just vanish. It’s something every woman thinks about. But I was determined. I told myself, ‘I can do this.’ Starting a family brings happiness to everyone,” she expressed.
She shared with RW that she felt overjoyed when doctors confirmed her pregnancy. However, the delivery became stressful as her baby was in breach position, leading to a cesarean section surgery. Eventually, she welcomed her daughter, whom she named Alyn.
How the Baby Motivated Her
In a heartfelt message dedicated to her daughter, Kipyegon reflected on her journey, stating that since 2017, her aspiration had shifted to becoming a mother. She mentally readied herself for the break, understanding that returning would only make her stronger.
Acknowledging the difficulties and the changes her body underwent, she emphasized that her newfound purpose—her daughter Alyn—became her driving force. Kipyegon expressed how Alyn’s presence instilled mental strength, enabling her to overcome every obstacle along her path.
This message encapsulated the profound impact her daughter had on her life and athletic journey.
The Journey After Delivery
“I aim to inspire her to pursue her dreams in life. If she desires to be a champion like her mother, I support her wholeheartedly. My wish for her is to listen to her heart and surpass even my accomplishments,” she expressed.
Following her maternity leave, Kipyegon returned to the track a year later. With two Olympic titles from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, as well as two world championship victories in 2017 and 2022, she solidified her position as a double Olympic and world champion.
2. Gusty 14:05.20 in the 5000m in Paris.
Faith acknowledges that this is the race that stretched her the most.
In her own words, this is how she described the incredible win and world record of 14:05.20.
“I could sprint the last 100m but after the finish line I was like, ‘eh… am I going to do the 5000m race anymore? Am I going to do it in the years to come?’
“I was like done! Then after seeing the world record, I was shocked. ‘What? Did I run 14:05?’ It came as a surprise and even when I am talking to people I am [asking myself], ‘Am I really the world record holder over the 5000m?’ It’s like I am dreaming.”
3. Women’s World Mile Record
At the Monaco Diamond League meet on July 21, 2023, she set a new women’s world mile record, clocking in at 4:07.64, breaking the previous record by five seconds. It’s worth noting that the mile isn’t an Olympic distance and isn’t commonly run in international competitions.
Setting the mile record in Monaco further highlighted her command over middle distances, particularly during a crucial phase of the season when the focus shifted towards championship medals.
Summary
Faith Kipyegon draws her success from Vivian Cheruiyot who inspired her to join the middle-race competitions.
As a young girl, I admired Vivian’s running and often thought, ‘When I grow up, I want to run just like her,’” she reminisced. “She was young, had a small build like mine, yet incredibly strong. I first met her in 2012 when I was still a junior. She spoke to me, encouraged me, and here I am today. Now, I find myself in a position to inspire the younger generation, just like she did for me.”
Without a doubt, Faith will inspire many young girls in Kenya who look towards crowning the huge international stage in Athletics. Do you want to be inspired by any athlete Breaking Barriers in 2023: Faith Kipyegon will amaze you.