World Championships: Kipyegon is the new 5,000m world champion

Faith Kipyegon celebrates after winning the 5000m final.[Courtesy]

Faith Kipyegon on Saturday asserted herself as the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) distance runner after winning the women’s 5,000m final on Saturday in Budapest to complete a double at the World Championships.

In fact, Kipyegon won in style after edging out archrival Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands and defending champion Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia to win Kenya’s second gold medal.

The world record holder over the distance kept pace with the leading pack until the final 600m when she took off to fend off Hassan’s challenge to take gold in 14:53.88.

Hassan who attempted a late sprinting surge finished second after clocking 14:54.11.

World cross-country champion Beatrice Chebet claimed bronze after timing 14:54.33.

Another Kenyan Margaret Chelimo was fourth in 14:56.42. The defending champion Tsegaye finished a distant 13th.

Finishing the season in style, the 29-year-old athlete has accomplished an exceptional feat. Over the span of June to July this year, they shattered three world records in track events: the 1,500m, the mile, and the 5,000m, all within the Diamond League.

In the city of Budapest, Kipyegon's victory cements their unique status as the sole Kenyan gold medalist. Adding to the country's glory, they secured a second title in the 5,000m event, following their previous triumph in the 1,500m.