Three-time Olympic gold medallist Faith Kipyegon will challenge Svetlana Masterkova’s long-standing 1000m world record of 2:28.98 at the Xiamen Diamond League on Saturday, April 26.
Kipyegon, who already holds the second-fastest time in history, 2:29.15, set in Monaco in 2020, is no stranger to rewriting the record books, having shattered four world records in the past two Diamond League seasons alone.
Kipyegon’s dominance in middle-distance running is unparalleled. In 2023, she set world records in the 1500m (3:49.11 in Florence), the 5000m (14:05.20 in Paris), and the mile (4:07.64 in Monaco). She further lowered her 1500m mark to 3:49.04 in Paris earlier this year. Now, she turns her attention to the 1000m, an event where she has only raced once before but remains a strong contender to break Masterkova’s 28-year-old record.
Beyond her world record ambitions, Kipyegon is also chasing a record-equalling sixth Wanda Diamond League title. Having secured her fifth Diamond Trophy in Brussels last September, she stands just one title away from matching Sandra Elkasević’s all-time record. A victory in Xiamen would not only edge her closer to this milestone but also reinforce her legacy as the most dominant force in Diamond League history.
Speaking at the pre-race press conference, Kipyegon remained measured about her chances of breaking the world record.
“What is in my mind is just to start my season,” she said.
“I can’t talk about the world record, but we will see after the finish line. Having the second-fastest time, this will be my second 1000 metres. I hope to run my best and see how the championship is towards Tokyo.”
Kipyegon will face stiff competition in Xiamen, including Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma, the reigning world indoor champion and Olympic silver medallist, who boasts a personal best of 1:57.15. Also in the mix is Habitam Alemu, a consistent global finalist with multiple World Indoor Championships appearances.
The field also features rising stars such as Shafiqa Maloney from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who clocked 1:57.66 in the Paris Olympic final, and Jamaica’s Natoya Goule-Toppin, a two-time Diamond League winner with a best of 1:55.96.
A world record in Xiamen would further cement Kipyegon’s place among the all-time greats of athletics. Having already conquered the 1500m, 5000m, and mile, adding the 1000m record would make her one of the few athletes in history to hold world records across multiple middle-distance events.