Irish middle-distance standout Sarah Healy has revealed that Faith Kipyegon’s world record run in Paris last year continues to inspire her every step on the track.
At Stade Charléty, Healy executed another well-timed sprint finish, surging from sixth at the bell to nearly snatch victory from Kenya’s Nelly Chepchirchir, who held on for the win in 3:57.02. Healy clocked a brilliant new personal best of 3:57.15 to finish second in the most thrilling 1500m at Paris Diamond League.
Just like she did to win the European Indoor title over 3000m earlier this year, Healy left her move late, powering past Ethiopia’s Birke Haylom in the final stretch but narrowly running out of track to reel in Chepchirchir.
“Honestly, it only just dawned on me that it was a PB,” she admitted after the race. “I think I was so focused on the race itself. But yeah, I’m really pleased.”
While delighted with the time, Healy made it clear that standing on the Diamond League podium meant even more.
“Getting second in a Diamond League means a lot. That’s what I’m really aiming for, being competitive at the top level.”
The ‘Special’ Venue
The venue itself holds special meaning for Healy. It was at this same Paris meeting last year that Faith Kipyegon shattered the 1500m world record in a moment that stunned the athletics world. Healy ran a personal best that night too 3:57.46 and was so caught up in her own breakthrough that she nearly missed the historic moment unfolding around her.
“Last year, I ran here in the same race she broke the world record ( Faith Kipyegon )and I ran 3:57. I hardly realized what she’d done because I was so excited with my own PB!”
One year on, she returned to the same track and improved that time again. She is now just behind Ciara Mageean’s Irish record of 3:55.87 from 2023. Only two Irish women have ever run faster.
“It’s such a great track,” Sarah Healy said. “The energy, the crowd, it really lifts you. Me and Georgia [Bell] were saying before the race, ‘Good things happen here.’ It’s kind of a magic track.”
Her teammate and training partner Georgia Bell also impressed, finishing sixth in 3:58.06. Another strong sign for their training group.
“Jenny and Georgia hype me up more than I do! They’re always saying, ‘You can do this.’ It makes traveling and racing way more fun and better.”
It was only Healy’s second 1500m race outdoors this season. She had already delivered a victory at the Rome Diamond League and clocking a personal best of 8:27.02 for 3000m in Rabat.
With her confidence rising and her times dropping, Healy now looks ready to challenge Mageean’s national record and establish herself.
