There's still more in store, Faith promises ahead of Budapest trials

Faith Kipyegon.[FILE]

For double World and Olympic Champion Faith Kipyegon, there is still more in store as time ticks towards the 2023 Budapest World Championship trials in Nairobi from Friday.

The record breaker yesterday said she was ready to double in 1500m and 5000m at the national contest.

But whether she will represent the country at the global show in 1500m and 5000m, Kipyegon says the final decision rests on Athletics Kenya and her coach.

The World Record assassin said she is on top form and well prepared for the national trials, which observers say, will be a Mini-World championship.

Kipyegon shattered the 1500m record in Florence, Italy on June 2 before setting a new 5000m mark a week later at the Paris Diamond League.

"More is still in store as we head to Budapest World Athletics and as I travel to Nairobi for the national trials. I hope to achieve more," Kipyegon said.

Yesterday, just two days before the national showdown at the Nyayo Stadium on Friday and Saturday, Kipyegon was awarded the LG/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Sports Personality of the Month of June. She received a Sh157,000 dishwasher from LG.

Speaking after the award at the Global Sports Communication training camp in Kaptagat, Kipyegon said her main focus will be to defend her 1500m title at the Budapest World Championships.

But, Kipyegon said, she will be grateful if given the opportunity to double in 1500m and 5000m in Budapest from August 29 to 27.

"I am still head-up towards Budapest and I still remain focused and consistent on my event (1500m)," Kipyegon, who will also be competing in Monaco 15 days from today, said.

She went ahead to say: "If considered to double for Kenya at the World Championships, I will be grateful. For now, I can say I am doubling but let me see what happens during the trials."

The track star said the award was a motivation ahead of the national trials and preparations for the World Championships.

The LG dishwasher was her third award since smashing the two World Records earlier in June.

She was awarded Sh5 million and a house worth Sh6 million during a red carpet reception at State House and barely a week later, her father was offered a car in Eldoret.

"This is my second LG/SJAK award. Previously I had won a washing machine which helped me ease the cleaning of tracksuits. The dishwasher will ensure that my nails are intact while washing utensils. I am grateful to LG and SJAK for the support," Kipyegon said.

Kipyegon will be battling it out with 1500m stars Edinah Chebitok, Judith Kiyeng and Winnie Chebet among others for top slots at the national trials.

The award ceremony was graced by SJAK president James Waindi and LG officials.

LG official Maureen Kemunto said: "The purpose of the award is to recognise exceptional Kenyan sportsmen and women for their achievements across diverse disciplines each month and also to signify our commitment to contribute to the development of sport in the country."