Kipyegon says setting a new world record not on her mind in Diamond League final race

Three-time Olympic 1500m champion, Faith Kipyegon says she was not thinking about improving her world record when she took to the track in the Diamond League final at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium on Saturday night.

The Kenyan ran 3.54.75 to win the race for her fifth 1500m Diamond League title win.

‘It was a good race, and I really thank God for that. The world record was not on my mind today. My goal was to finish my Diamond League season in a good way, and I did. It was good race, but definitely not an easy one. It was a bit cold to run 61 seconds in the first lap and 62 seconds for the next lap.

‘I tried to be myself and focus on the finish line. Hopefully I will finish my season in New York in a good way. It will be my last race of the season. I am still looking forward to race. I started my season very late because of a small problem and I still feel strong,’ she said.

Meanwhile, compatriot Beatrice Chebet was also excited to win the 5000m title to add to the historic Olympic 5000m and 10,000m titles.

‘I want just to say thank you for the good season. It has been an amazing year with the double gold medal in Paris and now the Diamond League trophy. I will celebrate it with my family.

‘It’s not going easy to do even better the next years, but you have to train hard, to have faith in yourself and stay focused. Now I am going back to my country, celebrate with my family and take some holidays. After that I will focus on the next season,’ said the 24-year-old.