Faith Kipyegon Smashes 1500m World Record in Florence in 3:49.11

Kenya’s defending Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon set a new 1500-meter world record in the Florence Diamond League meeting on Friday.

Faith ran 3:49.11 to smash Genzebe Dibaba’s world record of 3:50.07 set in 2015.

Now, Kipyegon has solidified herself as the greatest female 1,500m runner in history.

“I said yesterday that I wanted to run a beautiful race, run my race, and see what is possible, and this was possible,” she said.

“There’s still more to come. I’m still working on running faster than that, faster than 3:49. I’m really thankful today that I managed to run 3:49 and I’m still heading towards beautiful races in the rest of the season.”

According to World Athletics Organisation, Such was Faith’s dominance that world silver medallist Laura Muir finished almost eight seconds behind (3:57.09). At the same time, third-placed Jessica Hull (3:57.29) set an Australian and Oceania record.

“We have really come along as 1500 women,” Kipyegon said. “They are really special. We come along together, cheer one another. This is sport, we have to love each other and celebrate one another at our lowest moments and highest moments, and I really thank the ladies for coming along and running together and celebrating this world record together. We were part of this together.”