Faith Kipyegon has once again etched her name in the annals of Olympic history, claiming her third gold medal after a spectacular victory in the women’s 1500m final at the Paris Olympics on Saturday night August 10, 2024.
Kipyegon, the pride of Kenya, clocked an Olympic record time of 3:51.29, further solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest athletes the country has ever produced.
This monumental win marks Kipyegon’s third consecutive gold in the 1500m event, following her triumphs at the 2016 Rio Games and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Her unparalleled achievements have made her the first Kenyan to win three Olympic gold medals, a feat that has been celebrated across the nation.
President William Ruto was among the first to congratulate the track star on social media, lauding her incredible achievement.
“The indomitable @Kipyegon_Faith has done it, again! Congratulations for clinching the Gold medal in the 1500M race — the third consecutive in the competition — and setting a new record. You are simply amazing,” Ruto wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi echoed the sentiment, declaring Kipyegon the Greatest of All Time (GOAT).
“That’s why she’s the GOAT! 🥇🇰🇪 Congratulations, Faith Kipyegon, on winning gold and breaking a new Olympic Record. Truly inspirational!” Mudavadi posted, capturing the pride and admiration of the entire nation.
Kipyegon’s victory in Paris contributes to Kenya’s impressive tally of four gold medals at the Olympic Games.
Her win in the 1500m comes after she secured a silver medal in the women’s 5000m race earlier in the Games, a race marked by controversy when she was initially disqualified for what was termed as obstructing Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay.
However, following a successful appeal by Team Kenya, Kipyegon’s medal was reinstated, allowing the nation to celebrate a top-two finish in one of the most competitive events.
As Kenya rejoices in Kipyegon’s latest triumph, her achievements continue to inspire future generations of athletes, reminding the world of the incredible talent and determination that defines Kenyan sports.