Three-time world record holder Faith Kipyegon on Thursday clinched yet another victory with an easy win in the 1500 metre inaugural women-only track and field event in Athlos, New York City.
Kipyegon who clinched the win within a time of 4.04.4 finished first ahead of second place Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji and Susan Ejore who came third in the competition.
Diribe who won a silver medal after running for 4:05.58 was unable to clinch the victory despite her immense experience. Meanwhile the second runners-up, Ejore won bronze after hitting 4:06.25.
The athlete was among three Kenyan female athletes who participated in the event. Mary Moraa, finished second in a separate 800m race at the same event. Moraa was beaten by Ethiopia's Tsige Duguma who clinched victory with a time of 1:57.43.
The winners of each event pocketed Ksh7.7 million ($60,000) which is twice the prize money offered at the Diamond League finale. First-placed athletes also received a custom-made Tiffany crown.
Billionaire's Event
Launched by entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, Tennis icon Serena William's husband, Athlos is an all-women meet that marks an important milestone in the advancement of women’s sport.
The event reflects the great step taken in the world of athletics to achieve gender parity, both on the track and field positions. The 2024 event featured top female athletes across the globe.
Kipyegon's latest win comes barely a fortnight after she won her fifth Diamond League title in the 1500m final in Brussels.
The world record holder cruised to a comfortable win in a record of 3 minutes 54.75 seconds, beating Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji, who finished second after clocking 3:55.25.
Australia’s Jessica Hull came third within a time of 3:56.99, closely followed by Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu with a time of 3:57.26 and Kenya’s Nelly Chepchirchir at 3:58.05 respectively.
"My goal was to finish my Diamond League season in a good way and I did," said Kipyegon after clinching the top position.
"It was a good race, but definitely not an easy one. I started my season very late because of a small problem but now I feel strong," she added.
