This was my dream! Kipyegon celebrates record 1500m win in Tokyo

Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon wins women’s 1500m / FAITH KIPYEGON X

Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon extended her dominance on the global stage by winning the women’s 1500m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Kipyegon crossed the line in 3:52.15 to claim her fourth world title over the distance, becoming only the second woman in history to win four gold medals in the same track event.

The feat places her alongside Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who has five world titles in the 100 metres race.

The three-time Olympic champion led a strong Kenyan showing, with Dorcus Ewoi powering to silver, while Nelly Chepchirchir narrowly missed out on the podium in fourth place.

Celebrating her win on X, Kipyegon said: “This was my dream, another world title, continuing to make history. I am so happy to have participated in #Tokyo2025; it is bringing back so many memories from the #Olympics. The energy from the spectators and my fans is incredible.”

The victory carried added significance as it came on the same Tokyo track where Kipyegon won Olympic gold in 2021, further underlining her consistency and greatness in the event.

President William Ruto praised the double podium finish, describing Kipyegon as a “once-in-a-generation athlete.”

“Once again, the indomitable Faith Kipyegon has brought immense glory to Kenya. By retaining the 1500m world title for the third successive time, she has affirmed her place as a once-in-a-generation athlete. We are privileged that she carries our flag on the global stage,” Ruto said.

He also celebrated Dorcus Ewoi’s silver medal, calling their 1-2 finish “an extraordinary triumph.”

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula joined in the tributes, writing: “Faith wins! Faith Kipyegon claims her third world title in a row in the 1500m race, striking 3:52.15. Kenya once again asserted its dominance with Dorcus Ewoi claiming silver. Hongera wakenya wenzetu.”

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya also lauded the athletes, hailing their performance as historic for the country.

Kipyegon’s victory delivered Kenya’s third gold medal of the championships and reaffirmed her legacy as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time.