Was it ever in doubt? Faith Kipyegon continued to plunder the most revered middle distance marks in the sport, setting her third world record in 50 days on Friday (21), at the Herculis meeting in Monaco. The Olympic and world champion has marched across Europe in the last seven weeks like a latter-day Caesar. She started this imperious run of Wanda Diamond League form in Florence on 2 June, when she became the first woman to run 1500m in under 3:50. She then conquered Paris a week later, this time splintering the 5000m record, before laying siege to the mile in Monaco. On a hot and humid evening, Kipyegon did not allow anything to distract her from the prize. She locked in immediately to the world record pace being marked by flashing lights inside the track and relaxed into an easy rhythm for three laps. But at the bell she charged out like a prize fighter, punching the world record into the dust with every stride. The pacing lights were a distant second as she skimmed around the track to stop the clock in 4:07.64*, more than four seconds faster than the standard her long-term rival Sifan Hassan set on the same track four years ago (4:12.33). Kipyegon expected this performance, but that did not lessen her delight as she lay on the track afterwards, kicking those million-dollar legs in the air in glee. “I really enjoyed the race,” she said. “I came for that, I wanted to chase the world record.” She won by almost seven seconds – more than half the length of the straight – despite three women behind her setting area records, six setting national records and 11 setting personal best times. But none could touch Kipyegon, who is so confident of her form now that she intends to take on both the 1500m and 5000m at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 next month, and she has every chance of completing the rare double. It is one of the few accomplishments left for the two-time Olympic and world champion.
Report: Kipyegon obliterates world mile record with 4:07.64 in Monaco
Video: Kipyegon breaks world mile record in Monaco
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