Wycliffe W. Njororai Simiyu

All eyes are on Faith Kipyegon at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. That’s because the Kenyan 1,500 metre and 5,000 metre star broke three world records in less than two months on her way to Hungary.

As expected, Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya are spearheading Africa’s hopes for medals, continuing their dominance in middle and distance running events. At the 2022 champs, Ethiopia finished second and Kenya fourth in the medal table. Between them they won 20 of the 28 medals lifted by African athletes.

Over time, Africa is earning fewer gold medals at the event, even from Kenya’s famous male distance athletes. Kipyegon, however, is set to buck the trend. Considered by many as the greatest female 1,500m runner in history, she is the one athlete who has been consistent for the last eight years. Kenya’s hopes hang heavily on her.

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