Faith Kipyegon runs second-fastest 3000m in history at Silesia Diamond League

Faith Kipyegon delivered another extraordinary performance at the Silesia Diamond League on Friday, coming within a heartbeat of breaking the women’s 3000m world record.

The Kenyan superstar stopped the clock at 8:07.04, the second-fastest time in history, just 0.93 seconds shy of the world mark of 8:06.11 set by China’s Wang Junxia back in 1993.

Despite running in hot conditions, Kipyegon was in complete command from the outset. She took control of the race early, maintaining a relentless pace that quickly broke the field apart.

By the bell, her lead had stretched to nearly 200 meters, and she crossed the finish line in solitude, far ahead of Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw, who finished second in 8:34.53. Fellow Ethiopian Aleshigh Baweke claimed third place in 8:35.51.

Kipyegon’s time not only shattered the African record but also erased the Kenyan record of 8:11.14, which had been set just three months ago by Beatrice Chebet. The mark underlined Kipyegon’s extraordinary form in 2024, a season in which she has repeatedly tested the limits of middle-distance running.

Best known for her dominance over 1500m and 5000m, where she is a two-time Olympic champion and multiple world champion, Kipyegon’s brilliance over the 3000m has reinforced her reputation as one of the most versatile athletes in history.

Though the world record survived, Kipyegon’s 8:07.04 was a performance of rare quality and places her firmly in the conversation as one of the greatest female distance runners of all time.

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