Faith Kipyegon has won the women’s 1500 metres final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
In the final held on Tuesday, September 16, she stormed to victory in a championship record time of 3:52.12, claiming her fourth world title.
Behind her, teammate Dorcus Ewoi surged into silver with a 3:54.71 finish, securing a one-two finish for the country.
Australia’s Jessica Hull clocked 3:55.89 to take bronze.
Speaking after the race, Kipyegon reflected on her journey and what the win means to her and her country.
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"This victory means so much to me and to Kenya. To come here to Tokyo and win again at the world stage is a blessing. I want to thank my family, my coaches, and the Kenyan fans who always believe in me,” she said in a post-race interview with World Athletics.
The victory sparked an outpouring of praise from Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto who lauded Kipyegon’s consistency and inspiration.
"Once again, the indomitable Faith Kipyegon has brought immense glory to Kenya. By retaining the 1500m world title for the third successive time, she has affirmed her place as a once-in-a-generation athlete. We are privileged that she carries our flag on the global stage. Oh ye of little Faith — she has shown us all that greatness is not a dream beyond reach but a standard to be met by all Kenyans.
"Thank you, Faith, for raising the bar for our nation, and thank you for drawing Dorcus Ewoi with you in an extraordinary 1–2 finish. By adding gold and silver to Kenya’s basket at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, you have lifted the spirit of an entire nation. Kenya celebrates you, Faith and Dorcus. Kenya is proud of you," he wrote on X
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen echoed the celebrations, describing Kipyegon’s win as extraordinary.
"Congratulations, Faith Kipyegon, on your spectacular run to win the Women’s 1500m at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships. Winning gold for the fourth consecutive time over the distance is no mean feat and attests to your preeminent talent.
"Special applause, too, to Dorcus Ewoi for a brilliant silver medal finish, and to Nelly Chepchirchir for securing fourth place in a hardly fought race. You all have made us proud," he also shared on X.
Kipyegon and other athletes are expected to pocket millions following their stellar performances at the championships.
In July, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya announced a new reward structure for medal winners at major global events.
Under the new scheme, Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists will now receive Ksh3 million, quadruple the previous reward of Ksh750,000.
Silver medalists will take home Ksh2 million, up from Ksh500,000, while bronze medalists will earn Ksh1 million, compared to the previous Ksh350,000.
For the Commonwealth Games, gold medal winners will now be awarded Ksh2.5 million, a significant increase from Ksh500,000.
Silver medalists will receive Ksh1.5 million, up from Ksh300,000, and bronze medalists will get Ksh1 million, a fivefold rise from the earlier Ksh200,000.
