'I was really scared'-Faith Kipyegon reveals after smashing 1,500m world record

Faith Kipyegon has reacted after smashing her own 1,500-meter record at the Diamond League track and field meeting in Paris on Sunday.

Kipyegon finished in 3:49.04 surpassing her previous record of 3:49.11 set in Italy last year.

The 30-year-old Kipyegon, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 1,500 meters from Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021, and a four-time World Champion, expressed her excitement and determination following the race.

“It feels amazing to break the world record. I am in the right direction towards the Paris Olympics. I have come from far because of the injury and recovering. After the trials I knew that I was in world record shape, I have run the quickest time in Kenya with the altitude. It showed me that I was capable of breaking the world record again,” Kipyegon said as per Capital Sports.

Kipyegon acknowledged the competitive spirit and support she received from her fellow competitors, particularly from Australian runner Jessica Hull.

“We just tried, because everything is possible. Jessica was really good, I felt that she was behind me and I had to be careful because you never know if something can happen. But I just relaxed and ran my race. I knew that she is strong because she has broken the area record many times,” Kipyegon said.

Despite facing injury struggles for the majority of the year, Kipyegon’s belief in her abilities remained unwavering. She credited her recovery and training regimen for her outstanding performance.

“With my injury, I was really scared because I didn’t know if I was going to make it. But I took my time and trusted my team and stayed out of competition for long,” she said. “I will absolutely do the double in Paris, in the 1500m and 5000m.”

Kipyegon also highlighted the importance of the crowd's support during the race, attributing part of her success to their encouragement.

“The crowd was really cheerful, that was why the energy was so strong, it is really pushing us towards the finish line,” Kipyegon added.

In addition to her 1500m success, Kipyegon is set to represent her country in the women’s 5000m at this month’s Paris Games.

She is hopeful for more of the same crowd support when she returns to the French capital for the quadrennial games.