UNSTOPPABLE: How Kipyegon, Obiri made history in Doha
Athletics
By
Waweru Titus
| Sep 26, 2020
Olympic 1500m Champion Faith Kipyegon made history on Friday after an incredible performance that saw her win the women's 800m with a Personal Best and world-leading time of 1:57.68.
The Kenyan sensation has had a successful season, having won the 1000m twice in Monaco and Brussels.
Kipyegon said that the win in Doha came as a surprise considering she didn’t participate in the 800m race for three years.
"This was only my second 800m race after about three years break from it. I wasn't really expecting to win, so I'm very surprised,” an elated Kipyegon told journalists.
Eunice Sum, the other Kenyan in the race finished in the ninth position clocking 2:02.42, which is her Season’s Best.
In the men’s 800m race, Ferguson Rotich who made it two out of two victories for Kenya. He came out top in 1:44.16, with Elliot Giles from Birmingham earning a Personal Best of 1:44.56 in the second position.
Elsewhere, Hellen Obiri won the women's 3000m in a world-leading time of 8:22.54.
The race saw seven women dip under 8:27 – the first time in history this happened.
“Doha has become like a second home to me as I've won so many races here, including the World Championships last year.
“I've been training in Doha for about a month in preparation for this event and I believe it has helped me to get in shape and acclimatise quite well,” said Obiri.
It was a bad outing after the world and Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto failed to finish the race in Doha.
Kipruto missed the opening leg of Diamond League series in Monaco in August after testing positive for COVID-19.