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Faith Kipyegon dominated her 1,500m heat in 4:02.55 to lead Nelly Chepchirchir, Susan Ejore and Dorcus Ewoi into the World Championships semi-finals, highlighting Kenya’s depth in middle-distance running.
Tokyo, Japan — 2025-09-12 20:10 EAT. World and Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon underlined her dominance in middle-distance running by winning her 1,500m heat at the World Athletics Championships in 4:02.55, leading three fellow Kenyans into the semi-finals.
Faith Kipyegon: Controlled the race from the front, producing her trademark late surge on the final lap to finish ahead of Britain’s Laura Muir and Ireland’s Sarah Healy.
Nelly Chepchirchir: Took heat 2 in 4:07.01 after a calculated race, sprinting clear of Australia’s Linden Hall.
Susan Ejore: Battled through a physical heat with America’s Nikki Hiltz and Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu, finishing third to qualify.
Dorcus Ewoi: On her world championship debut, took fourth in her heat, advancing behind Australia’s Jessica Hull.
All four Kenyan entrants advanced to the semi-finals, marking a 100% progression rate.
Kenya has long been a powerhouse in middle- and long-distance running, with Kipyegon at the center of its dominance. She is seeking a third consecutive world title after gold in 2019 and 2023 and holds the 1,500m world record, set earlier this season.
The quartet’s performance also highlights Kenya’s emerging talent, with Chepchirchir enjoying a breakthrough season and Ewoi making her mark on debut.
|
Athlete |
Heat |
Position |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Faith Kipyegon |
Heat 1 |
1st |
4:02.55 |
|
Nelly Chepchirchir |
Heat 2 |
1st |
4:07.01 |
|
Susan Ejore |
Heat 3 |
3rd |
4:xx.xx* |
|
Dorcus Ewoi |
Heat 4 |
4th |
4:xx.xx* |
*Times for heats 3 and 4 beyond podium finishers not fully published at press time.
Risks and Implications
Medal prospects: Kipyegon remains overwhelming favourite for gold, but emerging talent like Chepchirchir adds depth to Kenya’s chances.
Tactical battles: The semi-finals could see faster heats as rivals like Britain’s Muir and Ethiopia’s Hailu seek to disrupt Kenyan dominance.
Historical stakes: Kipyegon could become the first woman to win three straight world titles in the 1,500m.
Semi-final draws and lane assignments.
Recovery and strategy for Chepchirchir and Ejore in back-to-back championship races.
Possible team tactics if multiple Kenyans reach the final.
