Faith Kipyegon, in her own words (with a little help from Laura Muir)
I have had an amazing privilege this year. I was in the stadium when Faith Kipyegon broke the world record at 1500m (Florence), the 5000m (Paris) and the mile (Monaco), and to speak to her after each race. I was also in the stadium when she won her world title in Budapest this week. (I have also been privileged to see her win two Olympic titles, now five world championship medals, Diamond League finals etc).
Rather than attempt to analyse and evaluate her performances this year, I will use Faith’s own words and the perspective of Laura Muir as an athlete running in the races:
Florence 1500m 3:49.11
Kipyegon said afterwards: “I had a good finish and felt very, very strong at the end. I knew I had broken the world record when I crossed the finish line. I knew everything was possible. After 1000m, when the pacemaker went out, I just pushed myself towards the finish line. I did not know it would be the world record, but I was pushing myself, and I felt that the rest of the field was far behind. I thank God for this and my fans for praying for me”.
Laura Muir commented: “It was great to be part of the world record race. I am so happy for Faith. I would have loved to be closer to her. I know I’m in good shape, but when you try to stick with the world record holder, it’s going to be tough. When you go through the first half of the race that quick, it will hurt, and you won’t be as fast at the end as you would like to be”.
See my AW interview with Faith afterwards https://twitter.com/i/status/1664738920335130626
Paris 5000m 14:05.20
Faith:“I just focused on the green light and tried to stay relaxed and enjoy the race. I just ran the race and waited to see what happened. When I saw that it was a WR, I was sooo surprised. It was all about giving my best. I just wanted to improve on my PB; the WR was not my plan. I am very emotional right now and do not know what to say. If my body is healthy, anything is possible.”
Laura Muir: “It was brutal tonight. I mean to be in two world record races in a week!”
Monaco Mile 4:07.64
Faith commented afterwards, referring to the hugs and group photos, “It was a blessing to do…
CLICK HERE to Read the Full Original Article at runblogrun…