Faith Kipyegon reaffirmed her status as the undisputed queen of middle-distance running after storming to victory in the women’s 1500 metres final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Tuesday.
The Kenyan superstar clocked a championship record time of 3:52.12 to secure her fourth world title, extending a glittering career that has already made her a global athletics icon.
Behind her, the race produced a remarkable Kenyan one-two finish as Dorcus Ewoi surged to silver in 3:54.71, cementing her status as the country’s next rising star.
Australia’s Jessica Hull claimed bronze with a strong 3:55.89, earning her first global medal after years of consistent improvement on the Diamond League circuit.
For Kipyegon, this victory adds yet another chapter to a story of dominance that stretches back nearly a decade. Since winning her first Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, she has gone on to become a two-time Olympic champion, a three-time Diamond League winner, and now a four-time world champion.
The 31-year-old has also broken three world records in the 1500m, 5000m, and the mile, achievements that have positioned her as one of the greatest female athletes of all time.
Faith’s fourth. 1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣Ⓜ️
Kipyegon takes her FOURTH 1500m World title! The three-time Olympic champ ran a 3:52.15 to take the W here in Tokyo, on the same track where she took the #Tokyo2020 1500m Olympic gold.#WorldAthleticsChamps | #RoadToLA28 pic.twitter.com/zXcMMutppj
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) September 16, 2025
Speaking after the race, Kipyegon reflected on her journey and the inspiration she hopes to continue providing. “This victory means so much to me and to Kenya. To come here to Tokyo and win again at the world stage is a blessing. I want to thank my family, my coaches, and the Kenyan fans who always believe in me,” she said in a post-race interview shared by World Athletics.
Her compatriot Ewoi, just 21 years old, celebrated her silver medal with unrestrained joy, describing the moment as the beginning of her own journey to the top. “Running with Faith has always inspired me. To finish second behind her and bring another medal to Kenya is a dream come true. I know this is just the start for me,” she said.
Hull, who delighted Australian supporters by finally stepping onto the podium at a global championship, admitted she had mixed emotions but immense pride. “I’ve worked so hard for this moment. To come away with a bronze medal at the world championships is so special. Faith and Nelly were incredible today, and I’m honoured to share the podium with them,” she said.
The race itself unfolded with tactical precision. From the start, the field kept a measured pace before Kipyegon gradually took control, accelerating decisively with 600 metres to go.
Her trademark finishing kick proved unmatchable, leaving Ewoi and Hull to battle for the remaining medals. Kipyegon’s time of 3:52.12 not only sealed victory but also underscored her continued dominance despite facing younger challengers.
This win in Tokyo holds special significance given the weight of history. The Japanese capital hosted the 2020 Olympics, postponed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where Kipyegon successfully defended her Olympic title.
Returning five years later to secure yet another world crown has solidified her legendary status in the same city.
Kipyegon’s consistency over the years has drawn admiration across the athletics world. She has managed to balance elite performance with personal life, including motherhood, having taken a break after the birth of her daughter before returning to reclaim her place at the top.
For Kipyegon, however, the journey is far from over. With the Paris 2028 Olympics still within sight, she has hinted that her ambition remains to keep inspiring the next generation while continuing to challenge herself. “I still have goals to achieve. I want to keep running, to keep enjoying the sport, and to motivate young girls to believe that anything is possible,” she told reporters.