Faith Kipyegon smashes World Record in Italy
Before breaking the record, Kipyegon had, come agonizingly close on a number of occasions but it was evident from the gun in Florence that we were in for something special.
She is a two-time Olympic champion, a double world champion, a multiple Diamond League winner but something was missing for the greatest women’s 1500m runner of our time, Faith Kipyegon.
On 2nd June, Kipyegon, who in her pre-race press conference at the Florence Diamond League in Italy had indicated that the world record was in her heart, went out hard clocking 3:49.11 to beat Genzebe Dibaba’s record of 3:50.07.
Before breaking the record, Kipyegon had, come agonizingly close on a number of occasions but it was evident from the gun in Florence that we were in for something special.
The feat saw the Kenyan become the first woman to break 3:50 as she took almost a second (0.97) off Dibaba's eight-year-old mark.
The pacing lights showing Diababa's world record were right up with Kipyegon but she pulled away from the lights, running the last 400m in an astonishing 58.81 to stop the clock at 3:49.11.
Kipyegon is now a two-time Olympic champion, 2x World champion, World Junior, World Youth, World Cross Country, World Relay, Commonwealth Games champion, a Diamond League winner and now a world record holder.
Meanwhile, African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala finished second behind world champion Fred Kerley (9.94 seconds) once again, as the duo duelled yet again after their encounter in Rabat.
Omanyala maintained his 10.05 seconds but improved by one position while also beating Akani Simbine who had defeated him in Morocco a week ago.
World Championship silver medalist Trayvon Bromell was third, clocking 10.09, just edging out Simbine in a photo finish.
Omanyala unleashed his signature second half sprint to edge in for second, dipping his head at the finish line to secure his place.
Elsewhere, Commonwealth Games 3000m steeplechase champion Jackline Chepkoech settled for silver in a race won by
