Faith Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic champion and world record holder, has suffered her first defeat in a mile or 1500m race in more than five years after finishing third at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on July 4.
During the Prefontaine Classic, the Kenyan middle-distance queen was beaten in the women’s mile won by American star Nikki Hiltz, who clocked a world-leading and meeting-record 4:17.49.
Despite Kipyegon’s defeat and finishing third, Kenya’s Dorcus Ewoi finished second in a personal best of 4:17.62.
The result ended an extraordinary unbeaten run that had seen Kipyegon dominate the mile and 1500m since 2021.
Speaking after the race, Nikki Hiltz revealed she had welcomed the slower pace, citing that her coach had encouraged her to win the race.
“I was excited when it was slow. My coach asked me, ‘Do you want the record or the win?’ The win every time,” Nikki Hiltz stated after securing the first position, defeating the unbeaten Faith Kipyegon after 5 years.
Tactical Race Denies Faith Kipyegon Victory
During the race, many expected the race to develop into a fast-paced battle against the clock; however, it turned into a tactical affair after pacemaker Taryn Parks stepped off the track.
Kipyegon moved to the front and attempted to control the race, as she has throughout her career. However, the slower pace allowed several contenders to remain in contention heading into the final lap.
Australia’s Jessica Hull, Ewoi and Hiltz all stayed within striking distance of the Kenyan marathon start as the runners approached the winning crossline. During the final 300 meters, Hiltz made her move.
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Kipyegon’s Unbeaten Run Track
Kipyegon’s defeat on July 4 marks the first time she has lost a mile or 1500m race in more than five years.
The Kenyan has dominated middle-distance running during that period, winning multiple Olympic and world titles while breaking world records in both the 1500m and mile.
In addition, her world-record time of 4:07.64 remains the fastest mile ever run by a woman, as she continues to be regarded as one of the greatest middle-distance athletes in history.
Dorcus Ewoi
While Kipyegon’s defeat dominated headlines, fellow Kenyan Dorcus Ewoi produced another outstanding display.
The world silver medalist ran a personal best of 4:17.62 to finish second behind Hiltz and ahead of one of the sport’s all-time greats, Faith Kipyegon.
Following her recent win, Ewoi has established herself among the world’s elite middle-distance runners, and her performance in Eugene further strengthened her credentials ahead of the remainder of the season.
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Lilian Odira Historic Diamond League Victory
In addition to Dorcus Ewoi’s achievement at Hayward Field, World 800m champion Lilian Odira secured her first-ever Diamond League victory after defeating Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson in the women’s 800m.
Odira won the race at a record time of1:56.19, while the British star finished second in 1:56.73.
Odira described the achievement as a special moment in her career after claiming her maiden win on the prestigious Diamond League circuit.
On the other hand, Kenya celebrated victory in the women’s 3000m steeplechase through reigning world champion Faith Cherotich.
Cherotich delivered another dominant performance, pulling away from Olympic champion Winfred Yavi in the closing stages to win in 8:51.74.
Yavi finished second in 8:52.84, while Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani placed third in a national record 8:54.32.
Additionally, Doris Lemngole clocked a personal best of 8:57.89, finishing fourth and becoming one of four athletes to break the nine-minute barrier.
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