Game recognises game: Eliud Kipchoge lauds 'greatest inspiration' Faith Kipyegon after world record feat

ATHLETICS Game recognises game: Eliud Kipchoge lauds 'greatest inspiration' Faith Kipyegon after world record feat

Abigael Wafula 11:40 - 03.06.2023

Kipyegon oozed class as she cruised to the finish line to win the Florence Diamond League 1,500m race in a new world record time of 3:49.11.

World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has heaped praises on two-time world and Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon after she broke the 1,500m world record on Friday.

Kipchoge lauded Kipyegon for her exploits at the Florence Diamond League after she oozed class as she cruised to the finish line to win in a new world record time of 3:49.11, writing another chapter in her incredible success over the distance.

“The greatest inspiration for young girls and women across Africa. Many congratulations Faith, for the new 1,500m World Record," Kipchoe said via a Twitter post.

"Your hard work, determination, resilience, and focus have reaped great fruits! Asante sana, you’ve made us proud.”

Kipyegon smashed Genzebe Dibaba's record of 3:50.07 that was set in 2015 at the latest attempt after failed trials previously. 

She tried breaking the record during last year’s Diamond League Meeting in Monaco but missed it by an agonising 0.03 seconds. The mother of one did not, however, give up on her dream and she has finally attained the title.

Kipchoge and Kipyegon know each other too well given they share the same coach, Patrick Sang, and come from the same stable, the NN Running Team which is based in the Netherlands.

Others who led praises for her include Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga who said: “That was epic. Congratulations Faith Kipyegon.”

President William Ruto also lauded Kipyegon for her hard work. He said: “Hard work, determination, and consistency have been crowned this evening. Congratulations Faith Kipyegon for shattering the 1,500m World Record in Florence, Italy, and writing your name in the history of athletics.”

Opposition leader Raila Odinga said: “Faith Kipyegon, congratulations on your fantastic and spectacular feat of breaking the 1,500m world record at the Florence Diamond League! Your run was amazing!”