World 1,500m and mile record holder, Faith Kipyegon, has withdrawn from the upcoming Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, set for next week citing injury concerns.
Kipyegon, who is also the world 5,000m champion, yesterday disclosed that a muscle injury suffered a few weeks ago had interrupted her training for the season.
There were concerns over the status of Kipyegon after she missed the first two legs of the Diamond League in Xiamen, China on April 20 and Doha, Qatar on May 10.
Prefontaine Classic Diamond League organisers had on Mon-day announced that Kipyegon would compete in 5,000m during the championships on May 25 in Eugene, United States of America.
“I have been building in a great way during the past months for a beautiful season ahead. Some weeks back I got a small muscle problem that was handled well,” said the 30-year-old, who holds the 1,500m and one mile world records.
However, Kipyegon, who announced her withdrawal from Prefontaine Classic on her Facebook page, said that she had resumed training, focusing on starting her season at the Kenyan trials for the Paris Olympic Games on June 14 to 15 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
“I saw my name announced for Prefontaine Classic. It’s one of the greatest competitions in the circuit and I plan to compete there again in 2025,” said Kipyegon, who retained her 1,500m Diamond League Trophy at Prefontaine Classic last year.
Kipyegon competed last at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia on October 1 last year where she claimed bronze in the Road Mile, a performance that capped her most successful year in professional athletics.
Kipyegon had already hinted at going for a triple in 1,500m,5,000m and 10,000m at the Par-is Olympic Games scheduled for July 26 to August 11.
