Four-time world champion Faith Kipyegon has earned praise not just for her dominant performance but also for her sportsmanship after helping compatriot Durcas Ewoi qualify for the women’s 1500m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday afternoon.
Drawn together in the first semi-final heat, Kipyegon ran with ease, cruising to victory in 4:00.34. Yet her most celebrated moment came when she continually glanced back to encourage Ewoi, urging the US-based athlete to keep pushing.
Spurred on by her senior teammate, Ewoi finished strongly in second place with a personal best of 4:00.65, securing her spot in the final.
At the finish line, the two embraced in delight. Ewoi later credited Kipyegon for the crucial support she offered in the decisive race.
“I am grateful and amazed. We gave it our all today, and I don’t know what will happen on Tuesday. Running alongside Faith was incredible; she really helped me. It was a huge motivation, and she truly inspired me,” said Ewoi.
Kenya will now be represented by a formidable trio in the women’s 1500m final. Alongside Kipyegon and Ewoi, Nelly Chepchirchir also booked her place after winning the second semi-final in 4:06.86, edging Australia’s Jessica Hull by just 0.01 seconds.
With Kipyegon chasing yet another crown and Chepchirchir and Ewoi emerging as rising stars, the final promises to be one of the most anticipated races of the championships.
Fans have taken to social media to laud Kipyegon’s unselfish act, highlighting Kenya’s enduring strength in middle-distance running.
