Faith Kipyegon cemented her status as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time by winning her third consecutive gold medal in the women’s 1,500 metres at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Competing on Saturday night at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris, Kipyegon broke her own Olympic record with a time of 3:51.29, further solidifying her dominance in the event.

Kipyegon’s victory, which comes just over a month after she broke the world record in the same event, was the crowning achievement on a day that saw Team Kenya excel in multiple disciplines. Her win not only added another gold to her impressive collection but also led the charge on a day that will be remembered as one of the most successful for Kenya at the Olympics.

In the women’s 1,500 metres, Australia’s Jessica Hull claimed the silver medal, finishing behind Kipyegon with a time of 3:52.56. Georgia Bell of Great Britain secured the bronze with a national record time of 3:52.61. Susan Ejore, the other Kenyan in the race, achieved a personal best of 3:56.07 to finish sixth.

Earlier in the evening, Emmanuel Wanyonyi showcased remarkable poise and determination to win gold in the men’s 800 metres. Wanyonyi led the race from start to finish, clocking a time of 1:41.19, the fastest since David Rudisha’s world record at the London 2012 Olympics. The victory ensured Kenya’s continued dominance in the 800 metres, with Wanyonyi following in the footsteps of legendary athletes like Wilfred Bungei, Rudisha, and Emmanuel Kipkorir.

The race was a thrilling contest, with Wanyonyi fending off strong challenges in the final lap, particularly from Sudan-born Canadian Marco Arop, who finished just one hundredth of a second behind Wanyonyi to take the silver medal with a time of 1:41.20. Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati completed the podium, taking bronze in 1:41.50.

Kenya’s successful day was further boosted by Ronald Kwemoi’s impressive performance in the men’s 5,000 metres, where he claimed a silver medal, ending a 12-year medal drought for Kenya in this event. Kwemoi finished second with a time of 13:15.04, just behind Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who won gold in 13:13.66. The bronze medal went to Grant Fisher of the USA, who crossed the line in 13:15.13. Kenya’s Edwin Kurgat and Jacob Krop also competed in the race, finishing seventh and tenth respectively.

With Faith Kipyegon leading the charge, it was a day of triumphs for Team Kenya at the Paris Olympics, showcasing the nation’s enduring strength in middle and long-distance running.