Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon wins unprecedented fourth women’s world 1,500m title

Sign up now: Get STs newsletters delivered to your inbox

Kenyas Faith Kipyegon crosses the finish line to win the womens 1,500m final.

PHOTO: REUTERS

TOKYO – Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon produced a trademark devastating last lap to win an unprecedented fourth world women’s 1,500 metres title in Tokyo on Tuesday.

The Kenyan, also three-time Olympic champion over the distance, timed 3min 52.15sec for another gold to add to her incredible medal haul that guarantees her place in the pantheon of the very best middle distance runners.

Her fourth world title matched the record held by Morocco’s Hicham El Guerrouj, who won the men’s event between 1997-2003.

Kipyegon’s teammate Dorcus Ewoi took silver in 3:54.92, while Australian Jessica Hull claimed bronze (3:55.16).

“I just want to thank God,” said Kipyegon.

“I knew I was capable of defending my world title after breaking the world record. I thank God that I was strong today.

“I just wanted to run comfortable without pushes and falls, because I was a little bit scared seeing people falling. I just wanted to be by myself and run my race.”

Kipyegon shot out to the front of the pack in what turned out to be a true gun-to-tape performance, the 31-year-old never looking like once ceding the lead she took.

With two laps to go, Kipyegon, tracked by Hull and Chepchirchir, looked comfortable as she upped the pace, the pack now strung out from its initial bunching.

The Kenyan took them through the bell for the final lap as the crowd at the National Stadium rose to their feet.

A spurt down the back straight opened the gap between Kipyegon and her rivals,