Kenya’s middle-distance queen Faith Kipyegon produced another spellbinding performance on Monday night at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Silesia, running the second-fastest time in history in the women’s 3000 metres.
The two-time Olympic champion and multiple world record holder once again demonstrated why she is considered one of the greatest female athletes of all time.
Kipyegon, 31, stopped the clock at 8:04.28, a time that places her just fractions behind the current world record held by Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey, set in 2020.
The electrifying race brought the crowd at Silesian Stadium to its feet, as Kipyegon surged in her trademark style controlled, patient, and devastatingly strong in the closing laps.
“I am so thankful and happy with this performance. Every time I step on the track, my goal is to give my best and inspire others. To run this fast in Silesia means a lot as I continue preparing for the World Championships,” She said.
The showdown was anticipated to be a clash between Kipyegon and a strong Ethiopian contingent, but the Kenyan superstar’s combination of composure and ferocity proved too much for her challengers.
After shadowing the pacemakers through the early laps, she took command with 800m remaining, breaking away with a relentless kick that left the rest of the field trailing.
Kipyegon’s run not only strengthens her lead in the Wanda Diamond League standings but also adds to her extraordinary 2025 season, where she has already smashed the 1500m and mile world-leading times.
Analysts believe this latest 3000m performance positions her to potentially break the world record before the season concludes.
Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei hailed her achievement, calling it “another proud moment for the country.” He added,
“Faith continues to put Kenya at the centre of global athletics, inspiring a new generation of runners.”
The Wanda Diamond League now shifts focus to Zurich, where Kipyegon is expected to compete in her specialist 1500m event. Fans and rivals alike are watching closely, as the Kenyan star edges closer to cementing herself not only as a legend of her generation but also as perhaps the greatest female middle-distance runner of all time.
For Kenya, for Africa, and for athletics worldwide, Faith Kipyegon’s name is etched ever deeper into the sport’s golden pages
