Ruto, Raila lead Kenyans in congratulating Faith Kipyegon on smashing 1500m world record

Leaders have congratulated Kenyan track queen Faith Kipyegon who broke the women's 1,500m world record at the Paris Diamond League on Sunday.

Kipyegon etched her name into the record books with a stellar performance winning the race in an astounding 3:49.04.

President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga, among other leaders, congratulated her for setting yet another record.

Ruto praised Kipyegon as an inspiration to fellow athletes and Kenyans, stating,"Faith Kipyegon has once again made history. Congratulations on breaking your own record in the 1500m race. Your victory is a testament to the rewards of hard work and determination, a valuable lesson to the aspiring young athletes who look up to you."

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga expressed his admiration for her remarkable achievement.

"Faith Kipyegon, your great feat of breaking your own Women's 1500m world record in Paris is truly motivating. Your dedication and passion power the ambitions of Kenya's athletes and youth. Keep running and shining!" he wrote.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba also joined in the praise, taking to social media platform X to share his excitement.

"Our Kenyan gem Faith Kipyegon lowers her own 1500M record at the Paris Diamond League. Hongera Champ!" wrote Namwamba, highlighting the national pride in Kipyegon's consistent excellence.

In the race, Kipyegon was significantly ahead of her competitors, with Australia’s Jessica Hull finishing second with a personal best of 3:50.83.

Great Britain’s Laura Muir clocked a personal best of 3:53.79, securing third place.

This triumphant performance marks the fourth time the two-time Olympic 1500m champion has broken a world record in less than a year.

The Paris race was only Kipyegon's second of the year as she recently returned from injury.

She began her season in impressive fashion, clocking 3:53.98 at last month’s national trials for the upcoming Olympics in Paris.

Her journey to this new record began in June last year when she timed 3:49.11 at the Florence Diamond League, surpassing Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba as the world’s fastest woman in the 1500m.

Kipyegon's prowess extends beyond the 1500m as she set a world record in the women’s 5000m at the Paris Diamond League, finishing in 14:05.20.

However, this record was shortly bettered by Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay, who clocked 14:00.21 in Oregon.

Kipyegon also holds the mile world record having clocked 4:07.64 at the Monaco Diamond League in France last July.