Faith Kipyegon of Kenya reinforced her standing as one of the all-time greats of distance running on Saturday by completing a remarkable 1500m/5000m double at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

After winning her third global 1500m title on Tuesday, Kipyegon put on another masterclass, this time in the 5,000m, to capture her second gold in Budapest.

PHOTO | COURTESY Faith Kipyegon


The 29-year-old waited her turn and finished with a flawlessly calm last lap to win in 14min 53.88sec.

Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands took silver in 14:54.11, with another Kenyan, Beatrice Chebet, claiming bronze (14:54.33).

Gudaf Tsegay, Ethiopia's 10,000m world champion, went off to a quick lead, dividing the competition.

Teammate Ejgayehu Taye took the lead as Kipyegon was flanked by two of their colleagues as the two East African distance powerhouses worked on race tactics.

PHOTO | COURTESY Faith Kipyegon


With eight laps remaining, Kipyegon and compatriot Lilian Kasait Rengeruk surged to the front of the pack, while Hassan sat three laps back.

With four laps remaining, Tsegay was back in front and spurted down the far straight, forcing Hassan to slip away from the extreme tailenders.

As the final 400 yards began, Hassan was on Kipyegon's shoulder. Stride for stride, they accelerated away, pursued by Chebet, the remainder of the field urgently attempting to keep up with the front runners.

Kipeygon kicked into the home straight, his gaze locked on the large screen just beyond the finish line, and hung on for a magnificent triumph.