Middle-distance star Faith Kipyegon will miss the remainder of the 2026 season as she continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 19, Kipyegon said the demands placed on athletes' bodies can sometimes create a fine balance between maintaining fitness and avoiding injury.
"As athletes, we ask a lot from our bodies. There is always a thin line between being fit and the risk of injury.
"Since the end of May, I have been dealing with a hamstring injury and unfortunately it needs a bit longer to recover than I had hoped," she wrote.
Kipyegon said she believes allowing the injury adequate time to heal is the best way to ensure she returns to competition at her highest level.
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"I know that taking care of it now is the most important thing I can do to come back at my best. So for now, I will take the time to heal, recover and get stronger," she added.
Kipyegon's agent confirmed that the decision means the three-time Olympic champion will not compete on the track again in 2026.
This comes weeks after Kipyegon issued a statement after suffering her first track defeat in more than five years during the women's mile at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting in Eugene, Oregon.
She finished third in a highly competitive race after revealing that she has been managing a hamstring injury.
Taking to social media after the race, Kipyegon explained the challenge she has been facing while reassuring fans that she is making steady progress.
"As athletes, we often deal with challenges you can’t always see from the outside. Since Shanghai, I’ve been dealing with a hamstring injury, but the last two weeks have been a step in the right direction," she wrote.
The women's mile was won by American Nikki Hiltz, who clocked a world-leading 4:17.49; Kenya's Dorcus Ewoi finished second in 4:17.62, while Kipyegon crossed the line third in 4:17.80.
Despite not extending her winning streak, Kipyegon said she was determined to compete at the iconic Hayward Field and remains focused on returning to her best form.
"I didn’t want to miss Nike Prefontaine Classic and I didn’t want to miss competing in the magic of Hayward Field. From here we keep building, step by step, towards a strong second half of the season," she added.
