2017 IAAF World ChampionshipsAug 7, 2017 by Taylor Dutch
Faith Kipyegon Wins World Championship Gold, Jenny Simpson Kicks For Silver
Faith Kipyegon Wins World Championship Gold, Jenny Simpson Kicks For Silver
In a thrilling final 100 meters, Faith Kipyegon claimed gold and Jenny Simpson earned silver in the women's 1500m Monday at the IAAF World Championships in London.
In an absolutely thrilling final 100 meters, Faith Kipyegon claimed gold and Jenny Simpson earned silver in the women's 1500m on Monday at the IAAF World Championships in London.
After winning Olympic gold last summer, Kipyegon won her second consecutive global title in a winning time of 4:02.59, while Simpson executed a jaw-dropping kick to earn silver in 4:02.76. Caster Semenya dove to the line to claim the third podium spot in 4:02.90.
Simpson's performance marks her fourth global championship medal of her career. She won the 2011 world championship, earned silver at the 2013 world championships, and claimed bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games. Last summer, she became the first American in history to medal in the women's 1500m at the Olympics.
As the IAAF pointed out after the race, Kipyegon was eliminated in the 1500m heats of the 2012 London Olympics. Five years later, the Kenyan talent won world championship gold in the same stadium. She is the first Kenyan woman to earn world championship gold in the 1500m. According to journalist Katami Michelle, Kipyegon earned the title while competing with an injury.
Semenya's performance marks the first time that the South African runner not only competed in the 1500m at a global championship but medaled as well. She is also scheduled to compete in the 800m, which begins on Thursday.
The race was led almost immediately by Team Great Britain's Laura Muir, who brought the pack through the first 400 meters in 65 seconds. To the delight of the British crowd, she continued to lead through the halfway point in 2:17.
With a tightly bunched pack in tow, Muir kept the pace until 600 meters remaining when speedster Sifan Hassan burst from the back into the lead.
With the sudden surge, the field was instantly narrowed down to reveal the true medal contenders--Kipyegon, Hassan, Muir, Semenya, and Simpson. Although Hassan held her lead through the 1200m split, she was unable to hold off a hard-charging Kiyegon who flew past her on the backstretch.
With 200 meters remaining, the chase was on for podium glory. Kipyegon, Hassan, and Muir battled step for step while Simpson trailed just a few meters behind, patiently waiting for the perfect moment.
Finally with 50 meters left in the race, Simpson executed a brilliant surge to overtake Hassan and Muir on the inside lane and earn her fourth global championship medal.
Kipyegon comfortably crossed for gold while Semenya employed her own kick to edge out Muir at the finish line. Hassan, who faded to fifth, and Muir are scheduled to compete in the 5K.
After winning Olympic gold last summer, Kipyegon won her second consecutive global title in a winning time of 4:02.59, while Simpson executed a jaw-dropping kick to earn silver in 4:02.76. Caster Semenya dove to the line to claim the third podium spot in 4:02.90.
Simpson's performance marks her fourth global championship medal of her career. She won the 2011 world championship, earned silver at the 2013 world championships, and claimed bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games. Last summer, she became the first American in history to medal in the women's 1500m at the Olympics.
Jenny has had so many incredible races over the years, but that in my opinion was her BEST!!!!! Holy balls @trackjenny
— Shalane Flanagan (@ShalaneFlanagan) August 7, 2017
As the IAAF pointed out after the race, Kipyegon was eliminated in the 1500m heats of the 2012 London Olympics. Five years later, the Kenyan talent won world championship gold in the same stadium. She is the first Kenyan woman to earn world championship gold in the 1500m. According to journalist Katami Michelle, Kipyegon earned the title while competing with an injury.
Semenya's performance marks the first time that the South African runner not only competed in the 1500m at a global championship but medaled as well. She is also scheduled to compete in the 800m, which begins on Thursday.
The race was led almost immediately by Team Great Britain's Laura Muir, who brought the pack through the first 400 meters in 65 seconds. To the delight of the British crowd, she continued to lead through the halfway point in 2:17.
With a tightly bunched pack in tow, Muir kept the pace until 600 meters remaining when speedster Sifan Hassan burst from the back into the lead. With the sudden surge, the field was instantly narrowed down to reveal the true medal contenders--Kipyegon, Hassan, Muir, Semenya, and Simpson. Although Hassan held her lead through the 1200m split, she was unable to hold off a hard-charging Kiyegon who flew past her on the backstretch.
With 200 meters remaining, the chase was on for podium glory. Kipyegon, Hassan, and Muir battled step for step while Simpson trailed just a few meters behind, patiently waiting for the perfect moment.
Finally with 50 meters left in the race, Simpson executed a brilliant surge to overtake Hassan and Muir on the inside lane and earn her fourth global championship medal.
Kipyegon comfortably crossed for gold while Semenya employed her own kick to edge out Muir at the finish line. Hassan, who faded to fifth, and Muir are scheduled to compete in the 5K.