Faith Kipyegon was considered one of the favourites to win the Olympic gold after she runs in the last 2016 Summer Olympics where she clocked 4:08:92 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Kenyan has successfully defended her gold in Tokyo as well clocking in at an impressive 3:53:11 to break the Olympic record.
Faith Kipyegon of #KEN takes #gold in the women’s 1500m final, defends her title and smashes the OR!@WorldAthletics | #StrongerTogether | #Tokyo2020 | #Athletics pic.twitter.com/O7pdAkHhZs
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 6, 2021
Following Faith in second place to win silver was Laura Muir of Great Britain who clocked in at 3:54:50 and setting a new national record in the women’s 1500m. Laura had competed in the same event last Olympics as well finishing in 12th place in Rio. The 28-year-old has fought her way through nearly a decade long quest for a major medal that has finally come to an end.
The race of her life.
Stunning run from @lauramuiruns to win silver in the 1500m with a British Record!#TeamGB pic.twitter.com/O5LD23M4IB
— Team GB (@TeamGB) August 6, 2021
“I’ve worked so hard for so long,” she told BBC Sport.
“I’ve been fourth, fifth twice, sixth and seventh every year since 2015 and with everything, last year being postponed and not knowing what was going on. I got a silver!”
Sifan Hassan for the Netherlands was one of the favourites to win gold along with the Kenyan Faith Kipyegon. She ended put coming in third place. Hassan has been exceeding expectations thought the year turning out the be an athlete that is feared by many in long-distance events. Earlier this year she had broken the world record for the 10,000m race by over 10 seconds. Her record was soon broken after two days by Letesenbet Gidey.