Georgia Hunter Bell: Why 800m World Record Will Be Broken Soon, How Faith Kipyegon Has Redefined Middle Distance Running

Georgia Hunter Bell believes women’s middle-distance running has entered a golden era following her recent silver medal win in the 800 meters at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships.

Hunter Bell, who also won bronze in the 1500 meters a year earlier at the Paris Olympic games, is adamant the next major milestone is right around the corner.

Speaking during a recent panel alongside world and Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon and Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson before the 2025 NYC Athlos Meet,  Georgia shared her thoughts on the sport’s rapid evolution and why she believes the 800-meter world record could fall before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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“I think the 800-meter world record is going to go before LA,” Georgia said confidently. “And honestly, I think it’ll be broken by someone sitting on this stage. That’s really exciting.”

Hunter Bell paid homage to Kipyegon, an athlete who has become a genuine friend of hers - other than just a competitor-  for helping elevate the standards of the sport.

“Faith shows us every year how to break barriers and set world records — how to be brave and just go for it,” she continued. “That energy rubs off on everyone. Suddenly, we’re all getting faster and faster.”

Indeed, the women’s 800m and 1500m fields have never been deeper or more competitive. The World Championships, times that once seemed out of reach became standard, pushing athletes to constantly raise their game.

Lillian Odira set a championship record time of 1:54.62, breaking a record that had stood for 42 years to  win in what was a very unpredictable event, where  all finalists were favorites.

Georgia admitted that it’s both exciting and challenging to compete in such a stacked field.

“It’s an exciting place to be right now — but also a little annoying for me,” she laughed. “You’ve got Faith dominating the 1500 and Keely in the 800, and you think, ‘It’d be nice if there were a bit more of a gap!’ But it’s all good — it just means we’re all pushing each other to new levels.”

For Faith Kipyegon, the Kenyan double Olympic champion and world record holder, breaking barriers has never been a solo mission. She has redefined what middle-distance excellence looks like — not only through her performances, but also through her spirit of collaboration.

Asked about the strong sense of camaraderie among elite runners, Faith reflected warmly on the friendships that have formed off the track.

“It’s really fun, honestly,” she said. “We’re friends, and at the same time, we support each other — it goes both ways. We learn from each other because you can never stop learning.”

Faith also highlighted the growing sisterhood in women’s athletics — a bond that blends fierce competition with genuine encouragement.

“Being friends outside the track makes it even better; it keeps the sport enjoyable,” she said. “Look at Beatrice Chebet too — it’s amazing to have strong women excelling in sport and still having fun while doing it.”

Faith’s record-breaking feats have raised the standard. Keely’s consistency has set new benchmarks in the 800m. And Georgia’s hunger — matched with humility — reflects a new generation determined to make history.

If Georgia’s prediction proves true, the next few seasons could deliver one of athletics’ most thrilling breakthroughs: a new 800m world record, forged in an era of friendship, fearlessness, and fierce competition.

“We’re all running quicker and pushing each other to new levels,” Georgia concluded. “And that’s what makes it such an exciting time to be part of this sport.”