The Kenyan flag has become the symbol of excellence in every middle and long-distance event in track and field. This ubiquitous dominance is due to one sprinter – Faith Kipyegon – who became the first woman in the world to claim the double 1500-5000 meters title in Budapest. Now, amid the Olympic fervour, this former champion is once again girding up her loins to carry the torch of her proud nation.

Faith Kipyegon, by her own admission, termed 2023 as an “amazing year”. Not only did she reset three world records in the 1500m mile and 5000m, but Kipyegon also won two world titles in the Hungarian capital. Surprisingly, she can maintain her sovereignty with a stable support system at home. Now that she has begun preparations to defend her Olympic gold at the French Cosmopolis, Faith Kipyegon embellished her sentiments of gratitude to her husband.

Faith Kipyegon’s husband supports her ambitions

The legendary sprinter practically lives in the gymnasium to prepare her mind and body for the upcoming challenge. However, this confluence of brain and muscle is challenging for a mother of an adolescent daughter. In an exclusive with Pulse Sports, Faith Kipyegon said, “I am in camp from Monday to Saturday and that is how I get a peaceful time to train, relax and focus knowing that is where my bread comes from”. She had to bolster her courage and her determination to leave her daughter behind and continue her training. In the wake of her decision, Faith Kipyegon relies on her husband, Timothy Kitum, to pick up the slack when she is away.

Kitum, an Olympic medalist, understands the rigors of being an elite athlete and has transformed into a perfect house husband to support her career. In the meantime, she said, “In camp, you are with other athletes so you do things together but if you train from home, there are other distractions which leave you tired so going into next training”. Interestingly, Faith Kipyegon’s pursuit of the Olympic gold exemplifies her selflessness rather than her personal ambitions.

Faith Kipyegon becomes the idol for young athletes

After her Budapest campaign, Kipyegon credited her daughter as the source of her motivation. Now, she wants Alyne to feel prouder of her mother and walk in her footsteps. She relished her role as an inspirational model and said, “I want to motivate women and young athletes to know that life is all about challenges and tough times. Just that we believe in ourselves and put in our minds that what you want to achieve you will, no matter what”.

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These are the same values that she wants to instill in her own daughter. Kipyegon believes defending her Olympic gold once more will serve this purpose. With such a noble mission, Faith Kipyegon is undoubtedly going to be a worthy adversary in Paris.

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