PARIS, (June 9) – In a stunning display of determination and speed endurance, Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon shattered the world record in the women’s 5,000 meters at the 2023 Paris Diamond League meeting on Friday at Charlety Stadium. Remarkably, this achievement comes just one week after she broke the world mark in the 1,500m event in Florence, Italy.
Kipyegon, a two-time Olympic champion in the 1,500m, showcased her exceptional talent and determination as she triumphed in her first race at the 5,000m distance in eight years.
Clocking in at an impressive 14:05.20, the Kenyan great injected a burst of speed over the final 400 meters to pull away from the woman who held the world record entering today’s meet, Letesenbet Gidey, in a thrilling battle.
Her extraordinary performance surpassed the previous world record of 14:06.62, set by Ethiopian athlete Gidey on October 7, 2020, in Valencia.
Prior to today, Kipyegon had participated in the 5,000m race only twice, both occasions taking place back in 2015.
Reflecting on her accomplishment, the 29-year-old expressed her surprise at breaking the world record, saying, “I did not think about the world record. I do not know how I made it. I just focused on the green light and tried to stay relaxed and enjoy the race.”
She further added, “When I saw that it was a world record, I was so surprised. It was all about giving my best. I just wanted to improve on my personal best; the world record was not my plan.”
Gidey ran 14:07.94 to finish second today, while third place went to another Ethiopia athlete, Ejgayehu Taye in a time of 14:13.31.
The top American finisher was Alicia Monson, who posted a time of 14:34.88 for 8th place.
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- Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) – WR: 14:05.20
- Letesenbet Gidey (Ethiopia) – SB: 14:07.94
- Ejgayehu Taye (Ethiopia) – SB: 14:13.31
- Lilian Kasait Rengeruk (Kenya) – PB: 14:23.05
- Freweyni Hailu (Ethiopia) – SB: 14:23.45
- Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi (Kenya) – PB: 14:23.67
- Lemlem Hailu (Ethiopia) – PB: 14:34.53
- Alicia Monson (United States) – SB: 14:34.88
- Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya) – PB: 14:36.70
- Grace Loibach Nawowuna (Kenya) – PB: 14:42.63
- Laura Muir (United Kingdom) – PB: 14:48.14
- Elly Henes (United States) – 15:04.54
- Whittni Morgan (United States) – SB: 15:20.59
- Beatrice Chepkoech (Kenya) – DNF
- Tigist Ketema (Ethiopia) – DNF
- Hanna Klein (Germany) – DNF
- Sarah Lahti (Sweden) – DNF
- Diribe Welteji (Ethiopia) – DNF
