Faith Kipyegon, the Olympic 1500-meter champion, is anxiously awaiting word from Athletics Kenya and her coaches over whether she will double at the World Athletics Championships, which will take place in Budapest next month.
Following breaking the 5000-meter and 1500-meter records in the Paris Diamond Florence Diamond Leagues last month, Kipyegon declared herself the queen of middle-distance races.
Her back-to-back world record times in the two races recorded within a week left many convinced that she had the grit to double and mine gold in Budapest.
As the star girl insists that defending her 1500m crown is the ultimate dream in Bupadest, she doesn't rule out the possibility of chasing double glory on the global stage.
"I am still heated up towards Budapest, but I cannot say anything in terms of doubling 1,500m and 5,000m but stay healthy and be consistent in what I do. I will be aiming to defend my 1,500m title," she offered.
"I am still in negotiations with my team to see if I could double in Budapest but let me first see what will happen in the trials. Breaking two world records in Paris and Florence, then coming home and being received by the state was really motivating for me and the young generation of athletes and mothers," she added.
Meanwhile, the 2019 world silver medalist has promised her fans that 'more is in store' as she gears up for the 2023 Budapest World Championship trials set for Nairobi from Friday, July 7.
Speaking at the Global Sports Communication Athletics Camp on July 5 after receiving the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Year award, she noted that her main aim was to defend her 1,500m title in Budapest.
"More is still in store as we head to the World Championships in Budapest. I hope for the best as I travel to Nairobi, Nyayo for the trials. Hopefully, I will defend my title in Budapest and see what is in store this year," she noted.
The name Kipyegon has come to represent greatness. She received a hero's welcome at the State mansion after setting two world records, where President William Ruto announced an award of Sh5 million and a Sh6 million mansion.
Her father, Samuel Kipyegon, would be awarded a brand-new Toyota Probox on June 17. Faith's most recent gift was the LG dishwasher worth Ksh.166,000, which was her second award with LG/SJAK.
"This is my second LG/SJAK award. Previously I had won a washing machine which helped me ease the cleaning of tracksuits. The dishwasher will ensure that my nails are intact while washing utensils. I am grateful to LG and SJAK for the support," Kipyegon said.
For the top spots at the national trials, the track star will compete against 1500m talents Edinah Jebitok, Judith Kiyeng, and Winnie Chebet, among others.
