"I will take the time to heal, recover and get stronger": Kipyegon injured
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Three-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon disclosed on Wednesday, August 19, that she has been managing a hamstring injury since the end of May
- Kipyegon said the injury requires more recovery time than she initially anticipated, forcing her to step back from competition
- Fellow athletes and fans, including Nike Women and compatriot Beatrice Chebet, sent messages of support to the Kenyan star
Three-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon has revealed she has been nursing a hamstring injury since late May, disclosing on Wednesday, August 19, that her recovery is taking longer than expected.
The Kenyan athletics icon shared the news on her verified Facebook page, telling her followers that the injury has kept her sidelined and that she is prioritising her health over a rushed return to competition.
Was Faith Kipyegon injured?
"Since the end of May, I have been dealing with a hamstring injury and unfortunately it needs a bit longer to recover than I had hoped. I know that taking care of it now is the most important thing I can do to come back at my best," Kipyegon wrote.
The 1500m world record holder, who clocked 3:48.68 on July 5, 2025, to set the current world mark, offered no specific timeline for her return, only confirming she would take the necessary time to heal fully.
"So for now, I will take the time to heal, recover and get stronger. I'll be back," she added.
The post went viral within hours of its publication, reflecting the enormous following Kipyegon commands across the athletics world.
Kipyegon is widely considered the greatest female 1500m runner in history, having won gold at the Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
She was the first woman to claim three consecutive Olympic 1500m titles. She also won silver in the 5000m at Paris 2024 and successfully defended her 1500m world title at the Tokyo 2025 World Championships.
See the post below:
Athletes and fans rally behind Kipyegon
Several prominent figures from the athletics community were among those to respond to the announcement.
Nike Women wrote:
"We know you'll come back stronger 💜"
American middle-distance runner Nikki Hiltz commented:
"Wishing you the best recovery Champ! ❤️🩹🙏"
Kenyan distance runner Beatrice Chebet wrote:
"Get well soon champ ❤️"
Sports broadcaster Carol Radull added:
"Quick recovery Faith. 🙏🏼"
Olympian Bonface Mweresa also sent his wishes, writing:
"Quick recovery champ"
Kenyan media personality Shix Kapienga posted:
"Quick Recovery 🙏🏽"
Fan Ashley Chepmoves offered words of encouragement, writing:
"Quick recovery 🇰🇪💜the comeback will be insane"
The injury represents a rare setback for Kipyegon, who returned from a maternity break in 2018 to rewrite the record books across the 1500m and mile disciplines.
She holds the mile world record of 4:07.64, set in Monaco, and previously held the 5000m world record of 14:05.20, set in Paris.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.