'I'll Announce After World Championships' - Faith Kipyegon Teases Plans for Bold Career Move

Three-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon is constantly striving for new heights.

From chasing the sub-four-minute mile to planning a future marathon debut, the Kenyan star is brimming with motivation.

Her primary driving force, however, is inspiring others, particularly her seven-year-old daughter and the next generation of female athletes.

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Already considered one of the greatest distance runners of all time, Faith Kipyegon's hunger for achievement remains insatiable.

Her packed schedule includes an attempt at the 3000m world record at the Silesia Diamond League meeting on August 16, followed by defending her 1500m and 5000m titles at the World Championships in Tokyo.

Faith Kipyegon then intends to round off the season at the Athlos women's meet in New York in October.

Despite this demanding itinerary, Kipyegon appeared relaxed and cheerful during a recent World Athletics video call, as quoted by Athletics Weekly.

While at her peak, Faith Kipyegon is already looking towards the marathon. "I don't know when I'll move to the road," she admitted, "but hopefully soon. I'm not getting younger. I will announce it after the World Championships."

Faith Kipyegon, a four-time world champion, hopes to add to her medal tally in Tokyo. Reflecting on her silver medal in Doha in 2019, after returning from maternity leave, she admitted that it was a life-changing experience.

"Doha made me who I am today. Winning silver after giving birth made me stronger, made me believe I could still win medals and break records," she revealed.

Regarding the 3000m in Silesia, Faith Kipyegon aims to lower her personal best and potentially challenge the long-standing world record. "I'm going to dare to try," she declared. "It's always better to try than not to try."

"It's a mindset," she explained when asked about maintaining her high standards.

"It's about preparation, patience, and what you want to achieve for the next generation to look up to."

This year has been exceptional even for Faith Kipyegon. Her Nike-backed attempt to break the four-minute mile in Paris captivated global attention.

While her 4:06.42 fell short, it was the fastest-ever women's mile. Undeterred, she responded by shattering her own 1500m world record at the Prefontaine Classic, clocking 3:48.68. It was during this trip to Oregon that the impact of her efforts truly resonated.

"My name was already out there, but Breaking 4 touched the hearts of many young women," she shared.

"Fans, especially girls, at the airport told me I'm an inspiration. Knowing I've inspired them through sport was amazing."

Reflecting on the Breaking 4 project, Kipyegon said, "I learned I'm a strong woman. The whole world was watching, waiting for me to send a message that we have to push ourselves, we don't have to limit ourselves."

Faith Kipyegon has not given up on the sub-four-minute mile. Pointing to posters of Eliud Kipchoge's marathon attempts behind her, she noted, "He tried, then he ran 1:59. I tried, then I broke the world record. So, who's next? I'm next to try again."

Faith Kipyegon emphasised her commitment to inspiring young women and her belief that a sub-four-minute mile is achievable, whether by her or someone else.