Faith Kipyegon reacts after seeing the clock's WR [Photo: Runner's World]
Celebrations following Kenya's Faith Kipyegon's smashing of the Women's 1500 meters world record are still streaming in en mass. The church too has joined in the celebrations with thanksgiving and prayer saying, the Lion of Judah has conquered.
Faith set a new world record of 3:49.11, during the Wanda Diamond League 2023 Golden Gala on Friday, 2 June 2023 at the Ridolfi stadium in Florence, Italy, ending the 8-year-reign of the previous 3:50.07 set by Ethiopia's Genzebe Dibaba, in Monaco in 2015.
"I thank God, my coach, and management for coming along and telling me to just run my race. I stayed focused believing that everything was possible in front," said Faith
During the Sunday prayer service at the CITAM Karen, the clergy took a moment to celebrate the newest 1500m world record holder.
"When Faith Kipyegon on Friday night smashed the 8-year record of 1500 meters, the nation was ablaze with celebration because she conquered 1500 meters. Let me tell you, the lion of the tribe of Judah smashed the forces of darkness, he triumphed over the devil and made a public spectacle triumphing over him, by the power of the cross. " said Rev Charles Obara.
On his part pastor Martin Mbagara said "You are the lion in the tribe of Judah. May you roar and thunder. If faith like that one of a mustard seed can move the mountain, what is it that is impossible with the Lord?" he posed.
With two World and two Olympic titles, Faith is considered the greatest ever woman in the discipline.
Faith Kipyegon's other honours include
4x Diamond League Final winner
2x World Championships Silver medalist,
1 x Commonwealth Games winner
1 x In Top 8 at World Championships
2 x World Cross Country champion
1 x IAAF World Relays winner
1 x World U20 champion
1 x World Youth champion
20 x Diamond League meeting winner
1 x In Top 8 at African Championships
2 x In Top 8 at World Cross Country Championships
3 x Diamond Trophy winner
3 x Current African Record holder - 1000m, 1500m, 4x1500m
2 x World Records in career