Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon has etched her name in the annals of athletics history by becoming the first woman to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 1,500-metre event. The 30-year-old middle-distance runner delivered a stunning performance at the Stade de France on Saturday, crossing the finish line in a new Olympic record time of 3 minutes 51.29 seconds.
Kipyegon, who also clinched gold in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2020 Tokyo Olympics, showcased her tactical brilliance once again. In a race that required both strategy and speed, Kipyegon allowed Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay to set the early pace. She stayed close on Tsegay’s shoulder, patiently waiting for the right moment to make her move. As the race neared its conclusion, Kipyegon surged forward, taking the lead with 200 metres to go.
Despite challenges from competitors Jessica Hull and Laura Muir, Kipyegon’s acceleration proved unstoppable. She confidently sprinted towards the finish line, securing her place as the first woman in history to win three Olympic gold medals in the 1,500-metre event.
This victory adds to Kipyegon’s illustrious career, which also includes three World Athletics Championships gold medals in the same distance, the most recent of which was won in Budapest in 2023. Her remarkable achievements have solidified her status as arguably the greatest women’s middle-distance runner of all time.
