The two-time world champion Faith Kipyegon is keen to break the 1,500m world record during the third leg of the 2023 Diamond League in Florence on June 2.
“The record is still in my heart and mind. I am praying for a perfect year. I promise I will do my very best," Kipyegon said in a pre-race press conference on Thursday.
The world record of 3:50.07 is held by Ethiopia's Genzebe Dibaba.
Kipyegon's last appearance in France was in 2021 when she finished second in 3:53.63, setting a new national record behind the Dutch sensation Sifan Hassan.
"First of all, I would like to say thank you for being here in Florence for the second time. I was here in 2021 and ran 3:53 and for Friday, everything is possible. I am looking forward to a nice race here,” Kipyegon said in the pre-race press conference.
On the prospect of facing Scottish Laura Muir, the 29-year-old presumed: "I have been competing with her for a while and I love that. When we get to that starting line, she motivates me to do better.”
Kipyegon will face a quality field consisting of Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji, Canadian Gabriela DeBues-Stafford and American Jessica Hull.
In the meantime, Kipyegon teamed up with Nike on the Athlete Think Tank, an initiative set to champion women and girls and bring change through sports.
“I’m proud to team up with Nike on the Athlete Think Tank to create more meaningful change through sports for the next generation of women and girls. I want to empower women and young girls to embrace their true selves," Kipyegon said.
Athletes Shelly Anne Fraser Pryce, Dina Asher-Smith and Serena Williams have also been part of this initiative.
