Faith Kipyegon set a new 1500m world record in the Florence Diamond League meeting on Friday, becoming the first ever woman to dip under 3:50 as she clocked 3:49.11 to obliterate Genzebe Dibaba’s 3:50.07 world mark.
Britain’s Laura Muir came second, with a season’s best of 3:57.09.
She now holds the first and third fastest times in history, running her previous best of 3:50.37 in Monaco last August.
“It was great to be part of the world record race. But it was not the first world record race I was running in, I was in previous ones. I am so happy for Faith. I would have loved to be closer to her. But for the first race of the season this is really decent. I have never gone through the first 800m as fast as today,” she stated.
Kipyegon had before the race shown confidence, after stating that ‘anything is possible’ as she felt her body was in great shape.
With 600m to go and the pace setter dropping off, Kipyegon was a few steps behind the blue World record line.
Also Read: Nick Mwendwa Launches FIFA FKF Women Football Campaign
President William Ruto on Friday evening led Kenyans in congratulating athletes Faith Kipyegon and Ferdinand Omnayala.
Omanyala finished second in the 100 metres men’s category.
“Hardwork, determination and consistency has been crowned this evening. Congratulations Faith Kipyegon for shattering the 1500m World Record in Florence, Italy and writing your name in the history of athletics,” Ruto said.
Azimio la Umoja Coalition leader Raila Odinga also shared his congratulatory message.
“Faith Kipyegon, congratulations on your fantastic and spectacular feat of breaking the 1500m WORLD RECORD at the Florence Diamond League! Your run was amazing!” he said.