By Rienk de Beer
Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, armed with three recent world records, made light work of the 1500m final at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest to win the gold medal on another successful day for African athletes.
FAITH. KIPYEGON.
That’s it, that’s the caption.#WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/j0wg3P3YEI
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 22, 2023
As anticipated, the two-time defending champion dominated the race, leading the pack and accelerating on the final lap to seize victory in 3:54.87, while fellow African Diribe Welteji, from Ethiopia, secured the silver in 3:55.69.
Faith Kipyegon is the 1500m 🐐 #WorldAthleticsChamps women’s 1500m report ⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/9cKU5RdHNh pic.twitter.com/t5ncoOuJ2u
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 22, 2023
“This is a great season for me. To break the world records and become a world champion here, to defend my title,” expressed an elated Kipyegon.
“I was chasing history today and I was chasing this title. I have done it. I was just running my race. We are all strong runners. I knew the ladies were strong and I thank them for pushing me today. That was my plan to get to the front and to go faster because I know these races can be up and down. I just got myself in front after 300m and nobody was coming.”
It was an all-African affair in the 3 000m steeplechase final as an eagerly awaited clash unfolded between Soufiane El Bakkali, the Olympic and defending world champion from Morocco, and Ethiopia’s fresh world record holder, Lamecha Girma.
Soufiane El Bakkali once more shows what a championship performer he is on his way to a second 3000m steeplechase #WorldAthleticsChamps gold 🤩 pic.twitter.com/U2kJhONoHb
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 22, 2023
As expected, these two athletes led the way, engaging in a head-to-head battle until the final 150 meters. At that point, El Bakkali successfully created some distance, securing the win with a time of 8:03.53, followed by Girma in 8:05.44, while Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot earned the bronze in 8:11.98.
Following all of Tuesday’s action, the African medal count jumps to an incredible 13 with Ethiopia leading the way on six medals.