Faith Kipyegon Breaks 1500m with Stunning 3:49.04 in Paris

At the Paris Diamond League on Sunday, Faith Kipyegon of Kenya enhanced her Olympic preparations by setting a new world record in the women's 1500m, surpassing her previous best. Guided by two pacemakers, she took the lead and finished in an impressive 3:49.04 at Stade Charlety, improving her earlier record by 0.07 seconds, which she set in Florence in June 2023. At 30, Kipyegon will head to the Summer Games in Paris as a leading favorite, already holding two Olympic golds and three world titles in the 1500m.

The race began at a brisk pace, with Kipyegon hitting the 800m mark in 2:04, closely followed by Australia’s Jess Hull. After the pacemakers stepped aside, Kipyegon accelerated, completing the third lap in 60.8 seconds and further increasing her speed.

She surged ahead at the final bell, widening her lead over Hull and clinching the win in 3:49.04, shaving 0.07 seconds off her own world record. Hull secured second place with a time of 3:50.83, setting a new Oceanian record and rising to fifth on the all-time world list. Laura Muir of Britain finished third in a national record time of 3:53.79, marking the first time ever that 12 women finished a race under four minutes.

“I felt the world record was within reach after some fast runs in Kenya recently,” Kipyegon remarked. “My goal today was simply to run my race and check my form as I prepare to defend my title at the Olympics.”

Women's 1500m Results:

Full Paris Diamond League Results.