In a display of unparalleled athleticism, Faith Kipyegon of Kenya claimed her fourth world 1500m title at the 2025 World Championships, further solidifying her status as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history. The 31-year-old phenom, already a three-time Olympic champion, extended her dominance by winning her fifth consecutive global gold in the event. Kipyegon’s latest triumph places her alongside retired men’s world record holder Hicham El Guerrouj as the only athletes to have secured four 1500m world titles.
Kipyegon’s victory was a masterclass in strategy and endurance. She controlled the race from the outset, surging ahead in the final lap to finish in an impressive 3 minutes 52.15 seconds. Her nearest competitor, fellow Kenyan Dorcus Ewoi, trailed by nearly three seconds, highlighting the chasm between Kipyegon and her rivals. Australia’s Jessica Hull, the Olympic silver medalist, faded to bronze after attempting to match Kipyegon’s relentless pace.
‘I just want to thank God,’ Kipyegon told BBC Sport after the race. ‘I knew I was capable of defending my world title after breaking the world record earlier this year. I thank God that I was strong today.’
Kipyegon’s victory marks her eighth global gold medal, equaling the achievements of Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Ethiopian distance running icon Tirunesh Dibaba. With her sights now set on the 5,000m event, Kipyegon aims to replicate her historic 1500m-5,000m double from two years ago.
Her journey to greatness has been nothing short of extraordinary. From running barefoot to and from school in her Kenyan village as a child, Kipyegon has risen to become the oldest woman to ever win a world 1500m title. Her relentless pursuit of excellence continues to inspire, particularly among young girls and women.
As Kipyegon’s reign of dominance shows no signs of waning, her legacy as a trailblazer in athletics is firmly cemented. ‘She makes the third lap quicker than the second, the second quicker than the first,’ commented BBC TV’s Andrew Cotter. ‘There is nothing anyone else can do but survive, hang on.’