Faith Kipyegon wins 5000m at Kenyan trials for World Championships
Faith Kipyegon crosses the finish line to win the women's 5000m final during the Kenyan trials for the World Championships on July 7, 2023 at Nyayo National Stadium.
What you need to know:
- Kipyegon made light work of the field, winning easily in 14 minutes and 53.90 seconds at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Olympic and World 1,500 metres champion Faith Kipyegon set up the stage for a middle and long distance double at the World Athletics Championships when she won the women's 5,000m at the Kenyan trials on Friday.
Kipyegon made light work of the field, winning easily in 14 minutes and 53.90 seconds at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The 5,000m and 1,500m world record holder beat Africa Games 5,000m champion Lillian Kasait to second place in 14:56.50 as they all punched their tickets to the World Athletics Championships scheduled for August 19 to 27 in Budapest, Hungary.
Faith Kipyegon speaks to journalists after winning the 5000m race during the Kenyan trials for the World Championships at Nyayo Stadium on July 7, 2023.
The 2019 World 5,000m silver medallist Margaret Chelimo eased to third in 15:07.59 but will now wait for the panel of selectors to determine if she will go the Budapest.
"It feels good to have won here, and it gives me option of competing in this race in Budapest," said Kipyegon, who hopes to double up.
Kipyegon has been given the option to double up by Athletics Kenya.
She has been exempted from competing in the women's 1,500m final on Saturday.
While Kipyegon said her main focus is on 1,500m, all indications are that she will double up.
Kipyegon is the 2017 and 2022 world 1,500m champion and the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics 1,500m gold medallist.
