TOKYO, Japan, September 14, 2025 – Triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon once again underlined her dominance, storming into the women’s 1,500m final as Kenya secured three slots for Tuesday’s showdown at 4:05pm Kenyan time.
Kipyegon cruised through heat one in 4:00.34, with compatriot Dorcas Ewoi right on her heels in 4:00.65 to seal a Kenyan one-two.
Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu followed in 4:01.03.
The top six finishers advanced to the final.
In heat two, Nelly Chepchirchir showcased Kenya’s depth by powering to victory in 4:06.86, edging out Australia’s Jessica Hull (4:06.87) and American Nikki Hiltz (4:07.04).
Kipyegon noted that having three Kenyan’s in the final is a huge boosta and a potential podium sweep.
”Three Kenyan’s in the finals is amazing. It was our goal to reach the finals all four of us but unfortunately it didn’t go to plan,” Kipyegon said.
Despite being the queen of the metric mile, she remains cautious ahead of the final.
”Every year is different and this year alot is happening at the World Championships, many people are falling so on Tuesday I will just remain focused aiming to win gold and hope to do my best,” she added.
In their heat one semi-final, Kipyegon pushed Ewoi to ensure she got a slot into the finals.
”At the 200m I saw she was beside me and I decided to push her so we can all get to the finals.”
As she plans to switch to the longer distances in future, Kipyegon exuded confidence that the women’s 1,500m crown would still remain in the country.
”I believe that when I move to the longer distance 1,500m will still be safe in Kenya,” Kipyegon noted.
Meanwhile, Ewoi noted that stepping up to the big stage proved a challenge but she was happy with her final berth.
”I felt so tired, this is my first time running back-to-back and this is a world stage. Everybody is watching you, but I am happy to have made the finals,” Ewoi said.
Meanwhile, national 400m champion Mercy Oketch kept Kenya’s one-lap hopes alive, qualifying for the women’s semi-finals after clocking 50.76 to place third in heat three.
She trailed Olympic 400m hurdles champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the USA (49.41) and Chile’s Martina Weil (50.61).
From the heats, the top three in each race plus the six fastest losers advanced to the semis.
Oketch, who endured disappointment in the mixed 4x400m relay disqualification, said the result lifted her spirits.
”After our heartbreak in mixed relay, this is heart warming after I made it to semis,” Oketch said.
The 24-year-old admitted the race was fierce but welcomed the challenge.
”The event was competitive but I am happy I prevailed.”
She called on her fans in Kenya to pray for her as she prepares for the semis showdown.
”I don’t know what to expect in semis but I will put my leg forward. Kenyans pray for me,” she stated.
Elsewhere, Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala’s campaign came to a premature end after he bowed out in the 100m semi-finals, clocking 10.09 in the second race.
Kenya’s 400m men’s trio of Brian Tinega, Kelvin Kipkorir and Brian Mutinda also fell short in their heats.
Tinega clocked 45.13 to finish sixth in his heat with Jareem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago (44.64), South Africa’s Lythe Pillay (44.73) and Britain’s Charles Dobson (44.85) securing the three automatic slots.
Kipkorir lines up in heat four, finishing sixth in 45.39 with USA’s Christopher Bailey (44.49), Australia’s Reece Holder (44.54) and Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga (44.56) claiming the top three.
Mutinda meanwhile clocked 45.07 to finish fifth in heat six where American Khaleb Mcrae (44.25), Botswana’s Lee Bhekemphilo (44.44) and Grenada’s Kirani James (44.66).
10,000m heartbreak
Meanwhile, Kenya’s wait for a world title in the men’s 10,000m will continue for a while longer after none of its representatives made the podium on Saturday afternoon.
Frenchman Jimmy Gressier stole in with inches to the finish line to claim a historic gold for his country, clocking 28:55.77 as Ethiopian Yomilf Kejelcha walked away with silver after timing 28:55.83.
Andreas Almgren of Sweden clocked 28:56.02 to bag bronze.
Kenya’s highest finisher was Ishmael Kipkurui who clocked 28:56.48 as Edwin Kurgat came seventh in 28:57.83.
