Who's saying what after Chepng'etich won 1500m gold in Rio
What you need to know:
- Ethiopia’s World champion Genzebe Dibaba was the hot favourite going into the duel by virtue of having both the World outdoor and Indoor records.
- Genzebe set the indoor record of 3:55.17 in February 2014 before breaking the outdoor world record, which had previously been considered near-unbreakable, in a time of 3:50:07 on July 17, 2015 in Monaco.
- That set the stage for Dibaba’s World 1,500m victory in Beijing in August last year where Chepng’etich played second fiddle, winning silver.
- Things were completely different in Rio as it was time for Chepng’etich to serve revenge against Dibaba, who did the chasing.
Jemimah Sumgong might have given Kenya its first ever Olympic gold in women marathon with David Rudisha retaining his 800m title but Faith Chepng’etich’s victory in women’s 1,500m early Wednesday left Kenyan buzzing on the Social Media.
Ethiopia’s World champion Genzebe Dibaba was the hot favourite going into the duel by virtue of having both the World outdoor and Indoor records.
Genzebe set the indoor record of 3:55.17 in February 2014 before breaking the outdoor world record, which had previously been considered near-unbreakable, in a time of 3:50:07 on July 17, 2015 in Monaco.
That set the stage for Dibaba’s World 1,500m victory in Beijing in August last year where Chepng’etich played second fiddle, winning silver.
Things were completely different in Rio as it was time for Chepng’etich to serve revenge against Dibaba, who did the chasing.
Chepng’etich, who lost in the heats at the 2012 London Olympics, took a huge leap of faith into greatness and history when she zoomed past Dibaba with more than 250m to go to triumph in 4:08.92 after covering the last lap in 58.79. Dibaba was more than a second behind, taking silver in 4:10.27.
That electric performance from Cheng’etich, the 2011 World Under-18 and 2012 World Under-20 champion, set the internet abuzz.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto and Cord leader Raila Odinga all congratulated the 22-year-old athlete from Bomet for becoming the second ever Kenyan to win the title after Jebet Lagat at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“Absolutely brilliant #FaithKipyegon. Dazzling 1,500 metres gold #Rio2016 #KEN #TushangilieKenya,” posted President Kenyatta on his Twitter handle @Ukenyatta. “Well done.”
Ruto said: “Another proud moment for Kenya as Kipyegon wins gold in the women’s 1,500 metres final in emphatic fashion. Her majestic run epitomises the country’s fiery spirit.”
Odinga said it was an incredible effort from Chepng’etich to bring the gold back home. “Hongera!” said Odinga.
World javelin champion Julius Yego said the stunning performance inspired him as he prepared to compete in the qualifying round. “We thank God for another golden girl,” said Yego.
Reigning Paris Marathon champion Cyprian Kotut said Chepng’etich’s victory should inspire the women's 5,000m team of Rio Olympics 10,000m silver medallist Vivian Cheruiyot, Hellen Obiri and Mercy Cherono. The women’s 5,000m final is due on Friday.
“What this beautiful lady did this morning to beat the world record-holder confirms that what Cheruiyot, Obiri and Cherono’s are about to tackle is nobody's race and that they are equal to the task,” said Kotut. “You can beat Ayana no matter her status.... Congrats our Queen Faith.”
“Congratulations Faith for bringing home the elusive 1500m Gold #TeamKenya,” said Rudisha, the World 800m record-holder and two-time Olympic champion.
