Faith Kipyegon on Sunday October 1 became third in the road mile race with Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji breaking the world record in the World Athletics Road Running Championships Riga 23 in Latvia.
Kipyegon after the race told the World Athletics Journalists that she had a successful season, but she was a little bit tired.
“It was a very successful season, but unfortunately, I am a little bit tired today,” she said.
Further she noted that this was her first time participating in a road race and was pleased by her performance.
“It feels good to be part of these first World Road Running Championships, so I am glad I did it. This was my first road race, so I did well,” she added.
Kipyegon was very focused as she headed to the streets of Latvia’s capital for her first ever road race.
However, she looked a little uneasy as they raced towards the finish line. Looking over her shoulder, she couldn’t stop Welteji’s well-timed strike as they rushed past the central landmark.
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Kipyegon won the world 1500m title ahead of Welteji in Budapest in August, capping off a phenomenal season that included world 1500m, mile, and 5000m records on the track, as well as a world 5000m title.
Delighted Ethiopians
Additionally, the winner of the race, Diribe Welteji noted that the weather was not good for her but at the finishing line, she realized that Kipyegon was tired she decided to sprint.
“It was hard, the weather is not good for me,” said Welteji.
“When I saw Faith in front, near the line, at that moment I decided to sprint. I could sense that she was tired, and I had it in my mind that I could beat her,” she added.
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Similarly, she noted that she had gone to Latvia to win and motivate the new athletes.
“I came here to win, to write history and to motivate the new generations of our athletes,” Diribe Welteji stated.
Hailu an Ethiopian who came in second was also delighted with her performance.
“It is a big honour for me to be a part of this competition,” she said. “I am proud to have won a silver medal for Ethiopia,” she added.
