Four-time world 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon believes Kenya's women’s 5,000m arsenal has what it takes to storm into the final and challenge for medals at the Tokyo World Championships.
The middle-distance queen will line up alongside world record holder Beatrice Chebet and world 10km record holder Agnes Ng’etich, forming a formidable trio with eyes firmly on the podium.
Kipyegon hopes the trio can all make the finals and from there charge for the medals.
"I hope we can all make the finals and from there, may the best athlete win," Kipyegon said. "Competing against Beatrice and Agnes will be good."
Kipyegon heads to the 5,000m showdown as the defending champion, having struck gold in Budapest 2023 with a composed run of 14:53.88 ahead of Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands (14:54.11) and Chebet (14:54.33).
The 31-year-old defended her 1,500m crown in Tokyo with a 3:52.15 finish to lead compatriot Dorcas Ewoi (3:54.92) and Australia's Jessica Hull (3:55.16).
She, however, knows the challenge in the longer distance will be unforgiving. "The 5,000m will be tough, but I hope I can defend my title," she said.
Kenya’s charge is further buoyed by Chebet’s sparkling form. The 25-year-old claimed Kenya's first gold medal at the global showpiece, winning the 10,000m in 30:37.61.
Italy's Nadia Battocletti (30:38.23) and Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay (30:39.65) completed the podium. The double Olympic champion also carries the distinction of being the 5,000m world record holder. She stopped the clock at 13:58.06 at the Prefontaine Classic on July 5, becoming the first woman in history to break the 14-minute barrier.
Chebet looks forward to competing with a long-time friend in Kipyegon.
She said, “Faith and I are friends and we will fight for the 5,000m final slots as a team. However, this being a competition, we will see whatever happens in the final.
They will be behind whoever wins the title.
“If Faith wins, I will be the first one to congratulate, and if I will, I expect her to do the same for me, and that is sports,” she added.
