Faith Kipyegon has solidified her legacy as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history, claiming her third consecutive Olympic gold in the women’s 1500m at the Paris 2024 Games.
In a breathtaking final at the Stade de France, Kipyegon crossed the finish line in 3:51.29, breaking her own Olympic record and making history as the first athlete, male or female, to win gold in the event at three different Olympic Games.
“It’s a big, big achievement,” Kipyegon said, beaming with pride after her victory. “I was really looking forward to defending my title from the last two Olympic Games, and I had a dream. It’s amazing to me—I completed it. I’m so, so happy. This is history. I managed to make history. I’ve done it. This is an amazing honour, to win the gold medal in the 1500m. It was my key target.”
The race saw Kipyegon, the reigning world record holder with a time of 3:49.04 set earlier this year in Paris, maintain her dominance over the distance. Despite facing fierce competition, including from Australia’s Jessica Hull and Great Britain’s Georgia Bell, Kipyegon’s tactical brilliance and unmatched finishing kick secured her a place in the annals of Olympic history.
Hull, who secured the silver medal with a time of 3:52.56, made history as the first Australian to medal in the event. Meanwhile, Bell’s remarkable performance earned her the bronze in 3:52.61, setting a new British national record.
“It’s all a bit of a blur,” Bell said, still processing her achievement. “I think it’ll hit me a little bit later. On the start line, I really had the feeling that if I just stuck in there, I’d be able to do something special, so I’m over the moon to get a medal.”
Kipyegon’s triumph comes after she had already claimed an Olympic silver in the 5,000m at these Games, finishing behind compatriot Beatrice Chebet. Yet, in the 1500m—a distance she has owned for years—Kipyegon once again proved unstoppable, adding another golden chapter to her illustrious career.
As the World Athlete of the Year, Kipyegon’s near-invincibility over the metric mile was on full display, leaving her competitors in awe and further cementing her status as one of the all-time greats in track and field. The night belonged to Kipyegon, whose historic performance at Paris 2024 will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Olympic history.
Source: Paris Olympics
