Faith Kipyegon is the record holder of 1500 metres. He broke the record by clocking 3:48:68 at the Eugene Diamond League. Below is the biography of the athlete:
Full Name: Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon
Date of Birth: January 10, 1994
Place of Birth: Bomet County, Rift Valley, Kenya
Nationality: Kenyan
Disciplines: 1,500 meters, 5,000 meters
Titles: Triple Olympic Champion, World Champion, Multiple World Record Holder
Early Life and Background
Faith Kipyegon was born in the high-altitude village of Chebara, Bomet County. She grew up in a humble household as the eighth of nine children. Her father was a former 400m and 800m athlete, and it was through him that Faith inherited her love for running.
From a young age, she ran barefoot to school—developing endurance, speed, and resilience that would later define her athletic success. At age 14, she was discovered at a school competition and joined a structured training program.
Junior Career
Faith’s international breakthrough began early.
2011: Gold medalist in the 6 km Junior Race at the World Cross Country Championships
2011: World Youth Champion in 1,500 meters
2012: World Junior Champion in 1,500 meters
2013: Retained her World Cross Country Junior title
These victories made her one of the most promising young athletes in the world.
Senior Career Highlights
Olympic Games
Rio 2016: Gold – 1,500 meters
Tokyo 2020: Gold – 1,500 meters
Paris 2024: Gold – 1,500 meters, Silver – 5,000 meters
Faith became the first woman in history to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 1,500 meters.
World Championships
Gold – 1,500 meters: 2017 (London), 2022 (Eugene), 2023 (Budapest)
Silver – 1,500 meters: 2015 (Beijing), 2019 (Doha)
World Records
Faith Kipyegon holds multiple world records, making her one of the most dominant middle-distance runners in history:
1,500 meters: 3:49.04 (Paris, July 2024)
Mile: 4:07.64 (Monaco, July 2023)
5,000 meters: 14:05.20 (Paris, June 2023)
She is the only woman in history to hold all three records simultaneously.
Coaching and Training
After being coached by Bram Som (2015–2017), she joined the elite training camp in Kaptagat under Patrick Sang—who also coaches marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge. Her training takes place primarily in Kenya’s highlands, including Kapsabet and Kaptagat, which offer optimal altitude conditions for endurance athletes.
Personal Life
Faith is married to Timothy Kitum, the London 2012 Olympic bronze medalist in the 800 meters. The couple has a daughter, Alyn, born in 2018. Faith took a break from athletics for motherhood and returned stronger—an inspiration for women balancing sport and family.
Most Recent Trial – June 26, 2025
In a highly publicized Nike-sponsored event called “Breaking4” in Paris, Faith Kipyegon attempted to become the first woman in history to run a sub-4-minute mile.
She completed the race in 4:06.42, beating her own world record by over a second but falling short of the sub-4 barrier. Supported by male pacemakers and advanced aerodynamic gear, the attempt was unofficial but historically significant.
Faith stated after the race:
> “It’s only a matter of time. If it’s not me, someone else will break it—but we are getting closer.”
This attempt confirmed her relentless pursuit of excellence and her role in pushing the boundaries of women’s athletics.
Recognition and Legacy
World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year: 2023
Kenyan Sports Personality of the Year: Multiple wins
Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Nominee: 2024
Honored by President William Ruto for her role in elevating Kenya’s international profile
Faith Kipyegon is widely regarded as the greatest female middle-distance runner of all time, not only for her titles and records but for her humility, consistency, and inspirational journey.
