Nelly Chepchirchir dazzles with 1500m meeting record in Hungary

Nelly Chepchirchir in the middle © World Athletics

ATHLETICS Nelly Chepchirchir dazzles with 1500m meeting record in Hungary

Abigael Wafula 09:32 - 19.07.2023

Chepchirchir is keenly following in double-world record holder Faith Kipyegon’s footsteps with her impeccable performances.

Trailblazing prodigy Nelly Chepchirchir yet again stamped her authority with victory in the 1500m at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial, World Athletics Continental Tour Gold, in Szekesfehervar, Hungary on Tuesday night.

The 20-year-old is keenly following in double-world record holder Faith Kipyegon’s footsteps with her impeccable performances. In Hungary, Chepchirchir floored oldies to clinch the 1500m crown and set a new meeting record in 4:00.18.

Following her closely was compatriot Brenda Chebet, who has also proven to be unstoppable as she set a new Personal Best time of 4:01.25. Uganda’s Winnie Nanyondo finished third in 4:01.96.

The Kenyan duo will join double World Champion, Kipyegon at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary as they seek to lead a Kenyan podium clean sweep.

Chepchirchir opened her season on a high with a second-place finish at the Kip Keino Classic before winning the 800m at the Grifone Meeting 15 days later. Three days later, she went to the Montreuil International Meeting where she also won the race.

The youngster then ran her first ever sub-four minutes performance at the FBK Games in Hengelo where she finished second behind Sifan Hassan in 3:58.96.

Her second sub-four-minute performance was during World Championships National Trials at the Nyayo National Stadium when she won the 1500m in 3:59.77.

Chebet, the reigning World Under-20 champion, is yet to run under four minutes but has so far impressed with her resilience. She opened her season with a win in the mixed relay at the World Cross-country Championships.

Over the 1500m, she is yet to win any race so far but has finished second and third in most of her races. Her Kip Keino Classic performance has been the worst this season where she finished 10th.

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