Kenya:Hopes high as Faith Kipyegon cruises to 1500m final.
By Samuel Ouma
Kenyans have ailed Olympic champions Faith Kipyegon after qualifying for the 15oo0m race final slated for Friday, August 6.
Faith comfortably qualified after she finished on top in her heat, clocking 3:56:80 ahead of the second-placed Ethiopian Freweyi Gebreezibher, who took 3:57:54. Gabriela Stafford of Canada emerged third in 3:58:28, Australia’ Jessica Hull came fourth in 3:58:81, and Tanaka Nozomi of Japan finished fifth in 3:59:19.
Faith compatriot Winny Chebet finished last in 4:11:62.
Sifan Hassan of Netherlands won the second heat in 4:00:23. Great Britain’s Laura Muir finished second in 4:00:73, Australia’s Linden Hall came third in 4:01:37, Winnie Nanyondo of Uganda emerged fourth in 4:01:64, and Spain’s Perez Marta grabbed the final spot in 4:01:69.
These were reactions from Kenyans after Faith’s win.
“Such a great champion.The only hope of our gold medal besides breaking the world record,” said Jarilly Kirui.
“This might be the only sure gold medal to Kenya this time round in Olympic,” said Joakim Kemboi.
“Faith will give us Gold am sure , have watched the way she finishes the last lap, still show that she is still has more energy for more lap again,” added Gor Bonny.
