Triple Olympic Champion Faith Kipyegon dropped out of the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Race in a disappointing end in the race that inspired an imperious streak of form that saw her break world records multiple times last time around.
Kipyegon reportedly dropped out of the race with one lap to go after making an emotional return to the race where she swept off the field in the 2023 edition, setting the stage for some of her most phenomenal performances in athletics.
The 1500m world record holder trailed 10km world record holder Agnes Ngetich, who went on to clinch victory, for the better part of the race before bowing out.
While it is unclear what led to her failure to finish, the tough terrain and sweltering weather conditions are said to have played a part. This was Kipyegon’s first athletics appearance of the season.
Kipyegon’s withdrawal came as a big blow, as her participation in the race had attracted a large number of fans and admirers alike, with many predicting a resounding victory for the top athlete.
After competing in the 2023 Sirikwa edition, Kipyegon broke three world records, a one-mile record, and set a new Olympic and Diamond League Meeting record.
On June 2, 2023, at the Golden Gala in Florence, Kipyegon set a new world record in the 1500 meters with a time of 3:49.11, becoming the first woman to break the 3:50 barrier.
Seven days later, she broke the women's 5000-meter world record at the Meeting de Paris, finishing in 14:05.20.
In August of the same year, at the Herculis meet in Monaco, Kipyegon shattered the mile world record, clocking 4:07.64.
Her hot run of form post-Sirikwa continued during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest; she secured gold medals in both the 1500 meters (3:54.87) and the 5000 meters (14:53.88), achieving a historic double.
In September 2023, Kipyegon won the 1500 meters at the Diamond League final in Eugene, Oregon, with a meeting record time of 3:50.72, maintaining her unbeaten streak for the season.
Kipyegon picked up from where she left off in 2024, when she broke her own 1500-meter world record at the Meeting de Paris, recording a time of 3:49.04.
At the Paris Olympics, she won her third consecutive Olympic gold in the 1500 meters, setting an Olympic record of 3:51.29. She also earned a silver medal in the 5000 meters.
Her penultimate appearance of the 2024 season in September saw Kipyegon secure her fifth Diamond League title in the 1500 meters at the season finale, finishing in 3:54.75.
In her final appearance, Kipyegon clinched yet another victory with an easy win in the 1500 meter inaugural women-only track and field event in Athlos, New York City. Her win earned her Ksh7.7 million.
