- Faith Kipyegon misses 32-year-old 3000m world record by under a second, on Saturday evening, securing victory at the Silesia Diamond League in Chorzow, Poland.
- She clocked an astonishing time of 8:07.04, narrowly missing the benchmark of 8:06.11 set in 1993 by Junxia Wang in Beijing, China.
- Kipyegon’s new continental record elevates her to second on the all-time list.
Kenya’s middle-distance runner, Faith Kipyegon, came within a whisker of smashing the long-standing 3000m world record, missing it by just 0.93 seconds, on Saturday evening at the Silesia Diamond League in Chorzow, Poland.
She claimed victory with an astonishing time of 8:07.04, narrowly missing the benchmark of 8:06.11, set in 1993 by Junxia Wang in Beijing, China, which remains one of the oldest records in athletics history.
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Despite not having competed in the 3000m for nearly a decade, the sensational athlete, who already holds world records in the 1500m and 5000m, delivered a breathtaking performance.
Ethiopian runner Likina Amebaw secured second place with a time of 8:34.53, narrowly edging out her compatriot Aleshign Baweke, who finished third, also clocking 8:34.53.
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In addition to nearly rewriting the world record books, Kipyegon obliterated the African record previously held by fellow Kenyan Beatrice Chebet, whose mark of 8:11.56 now becomes the third-fastest in history.
Kipyegon’s new continental record elevates her to second on the all-time list.
Faith Kipyegon shifts focus to World Championships in Tokyo
The Silesia Diamond League 2025 serves as a pivotal benchmark for athletes, particularly Kenyans, as they fine-tune their preparations for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, scheduled from September 13–21.
Just six weeks after lowering her own 1500m world record in Eugene, the three-time Olympic champion and four-time world gold medallist expressed her excitement about the road ahead.
It’s all about Tokyo now. I’m so happy,” said Kipyegon.
I wanted to test myself over a longer distance. Honestly, I didn’t even see the clock at the finish line I was completely exhausted. But I’m extremely satisfied with my time.”
Reflecting on the race, she added:
I noticed the world record line during the race, but today’s heat made it tough. I’m grateful for what I’ve achieved. These records this is my passion.
I want to inspire young athletes and keep pushing my own limits. Tokyo will be a tactical race, and anything can happen.”
Beatrice Chebet takes second in 1500m
Elsewhere on the track, Gudaf Tsegay delivered a commanding performance in the 1500m, outpacing Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet to clinch first place in 3:50.62. Chebet followed closely in 3:54.73, while Hunter Bell completed the podium in 3:56.00.