Faith Kipyegon, Kenya’s celebrated middle-distance star and multiple Olympic gold medalist, has expressed her disappointment over the closure of Kipchoge Stadium during her attempt to break the four-minute mile barrier (#Breaking4).
Meanwhile, the stadium, a symbol of Kenyan running excellence, was off-limits to fans, denying them the chance to support her in person.
“I was so disappointed that Kipchoge Stadium was closed when I was going to try — you know, try to be the first woman to break the World Record,” Faith Kipyegon shared, revealing the emotional toll the situation took on her.
“Sometimes I feel so emotional to talk about it. This is not something somebody like me talks about often.”
Her concerns highlight a broader issue of accessibility and support for athletes during historic challenges. Faith Kipyegon questioned why fans were not allowed to watch her attempt from the field, especially given the stadium’s iconic status and its importance to Kenyan athletics.
Faith Kipyegon After Missing her under 4 mins attempt by a few seconds
This situation contrasts with previous high-profile events held at the stadium, where spectators were able to witness landmark performances up close, especially during Eliud Kipchoge`s under two-hour attempt.
Moreover, Faith’s experience underscores the need for more inclusive arrangements that allow fans to engage with and celebrate Kenyan athletes’ achievements firsthand.
In addition, Faith Kipyegon also touched on the challenges Kenyan athletes face with limited access to top-tier training facilities, often relying on university tracks rather than dedicated professional venues.
She emphasised the importance of improving infrastructure to nurture future generations of runners.
Her candid reflections serve as a call to action for sports authorities to ensure that Kenya’s world-class athletes receive not only the best training environments but also the enthusiastic support of their fans during historic moments.
