KIPYEGON KICKS TO DENY DIBABA TITLE
KENYAN GETS THE GOLD AHEAD OF WORLD RECORDHOLDER
1500M
LAST summer Genzebe Dibaba dealt a devastating kick to deny Faith Kipyegon the world title, but in Rio 12 months later the Ethiopian world record-holder had no response as her Kenyan rival powered to victory.
The 22-year-old world silver medallist even had enough time to celebrate on her approach to the line, which she crossed in 4:08.92 to Dibaba’s 4:10.27. Starting off with a slow 76-second first lap, Kipyegon picked up the pace for a blistering 58.7 final 400m which Dibaba couldn’t match.
Surprise win: Faith Kipyegon beat world record-holder and champion Genzebe Dibaba
Behind Dibaba, who ran her 3:50.07 world record last year, USA’s 2011 world champion Jenny Simpson clocked 4:10.53 for bronze.
“I’m proud to win for my country,” said Kipyegon, who became the second Kenyan medallist in this event after 2008 champion Nancy Langat.
“I knew it would be a fast race. I really had to kick on the last lap,” added the Bram Somcoached athlete. “I was well prepared for the race.”
“I KNEW IT WOULD BE A FAST RACE. I REALLY HAD TO KICK ON THE LAST LAP. I WAS WELL PREPARED FOR THE RACE”FAITH KIPYEGON
Britain’s Laura Weightman had been to the fore as the field went through 400m. Her team-mate Laura Muir, who had broken Kelly Holmes’ British record a couple of weeks before the Games, then moved ahead with Ethiopia’s Besu Sado, but Dibaba quickly took over the lead and passed 800m in 2:27.11.