Faith Kipyegon Chases Historic Double at Tokyo World Championships

Faith Kipyegon arrives in Tokyo as the undisputed queen of middle-distance running — and she’s chasing history.

The Kenyan superstar will defend both her 1,500m and 5,000m titles at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, starting September 13. She last pulled off this remarkable double in Budapest in 2023, and no athlete has ever won both events at more than one World Championships.

Past greats like Bernard Lagat (2007) and Sifan Hassan (2019) have achieved rare doubles, but Kipyegon now has the chance to cement her name even higher in athletics history.

“It’s a mindset,” the 31-year-old said. “It’s about preparation, patience, and achieving something for the next generation to look up to.”

Record-Breaking Season

Kipyegon’s 2025 campaign has been breathtaking:

• She shattered her own 1,500m world record at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, running 3:48.68.

• In Paris, she attempted to break the 4-minute mile barrier, clocking 4:06.42 at Nike’s Breaking4 event.

• Last month in Poland, she narrowly missed the 3,000m world record by less than a second.

Her performances have not only dominated the track but also inspired young women worldwide.

“So many girls came to me at the airport saying I inspire them. That was absolutely amazing,” she said.

A Legacy of Resilience

Kipyegon’s journey has been marked by consistency and resilience. Since her debut at the 2013 Moscow Worlds, where she finished fifth, she has never placed lower than second in her event.

She credits the 2019 Doha World Championships  her comeback after maternity leave  as a defining moment.

“Winning silver then, knowing I wasn’t 100%, gave me the belief I could still win medals, break records, and go far,” she reflected.

What’s at Stake in Tokyo?

• A fourth World Championship gold in the 1,500m.

• A second 5,000m gold, which would take her total tally to six world titles.

Her dominance, versatility, and relentless drive have already secured her legacy. Tokyo could elevate it into untouchable territory.

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