Tokyo World Championships: Faith Kipyegon unstoppable over 1500 m
16/09/2025 17:28She had already won it all, yet Faith Kipyegon found a way to impress once more. In Tokyo, the Kenyan star claimed her fourth world title in the 1500 m, showcasing a mastery and finishing kick that only she can deliver. Behind Kipyegon, the race turned into a battle for the remaining positions, with France’s Sarah Madeleine shining as she set a personal best.
Four laps of the track, a fourth consecutive world title, and one undisputed queen. In a sweltering National Stadium in Tokyo this Tuesday, Faith Kipyegon added another golden chapter to her already stellar résumé. Celebrating with four fingers raised at the finish, the Kenyan claimed victory in 3:52.15, confirming her near-decade-long dominance over the distance. Kipyegon made it clear she hadn’t come to merely participate. True to her signature style, the middle-distance empress led the race and waited for the decisive moment: with 700 meters to go, she unleashed an irresistible acceleration.
🗼 #WCHTokyo25 | 🇰🇪 La légende Faith Kipyegon sacrée sur 1500 m avec un chrono canon 💥
La Française Sarah Madeleine se classe 8e en battant son record personnel d'une seconde 🔥
📺 Le direct : https://t.co/yJ0ZT7gY8P pic.twitter.com/jHcDwu9LH6
— francetvsport (@francetvsport) September 16, 2025
In the final straight, the Kenyan icon pulled away alone, leaving her rivals to fight over the leftovers. With this fourth crown, Kipyegon cements her status as an extraordinary athlete. Already holder of the world record (3:48.68, set in July), she continues to write a story that transcends mere statistics. Behind the star, Kenya placed two more finalists: Dorcus Ewoi took silver in 3:54.92, and Nelly Chepchirchir finished just off the podium in 3:55.25. Australian Jessica Hull, who had kept pace with the grueling tempo for much of the race, claimed bronze in 3:55.16. Three Kenyans in the top four—a testament to their collective domination.
| “I want to win two gold medals here in Tokyo”
“Being able to defend my title and win a fourth gold medal is truly special,” Kipyegon said in the mixed zone. “I just wanted to be myself. After breaking the world record in Eugene, I told myself: ’I have to go to Tokyo and defend my title.’ I knew I could manage it with control. This sport motivates me. I need to push myself to be the best. I won here in 2021 (at the Olympics) just after becoming a mother, so coming back here and winning again means I can show a new gold medal to my daughter. I want to win two gold medals here in Tokyo. I’m taking it one race at a time, and now the 1500 m medal is in the bag. I’ll now focus on the 5000 m and try to win it.’ The showdown with her compatriot and friend Beatrice Chebet promises to be epic on Saturday at 14:29.
| French athletes: moments of light and shadow
While Agathe Guillemot did not advance past the semifinals, the final offered a bright moment for France. Sarah Madeleine finished 8th in 3:58.09, smashing her personal best (previous: 3:59.06). Her placement in a stratospherically fast final already feels like a landmark performance. “A personal best in a World Championships final, I couldn’t dream of better,” the Francilienne said on france.tv. “I’m exactly where I want to be. Thanks to my whole team. There were moments where I didn’t trust myself enough during the race, but it’s all positive. I’m very satisfied with myself. I ran three races in three days. I love the challenge, I love the show, and I’m looking forward to what’s next. I still have a long career ahead, gaining experience and confidence. Nothing is impossible. I just need to improve my base time, and then I’ll be much more competitive.” At 25, she became only the second French woman since 2005 to reach the 1500 m final.
| A notable absence
It is worth noting that one of the major contenders was missing from this final. Ethiopian Diribe Welteji, 2023 World silver medalist, was provisionally suspended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport for a suspected anti-doping violation. While this leaves a bitter taste, it does nothing to diminish Kipyegon’s authority—a truly uncontested queen.
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
