Defending champion Faith Kipyegon will be put to the test as the world waits to see if the Kenyan has what it takes to hold on to the world title in the semi finals at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.
The Kenyan trio qualified to the semifinals after easing past their challengers in three heats, raising hopes for medals for Kenya.
Kipyegon overcame extreme heat and humidity to win the third heat in a time of 4:01.40, joining her compatriot Winny Chebet who was third in the first heat after timing 4:03.93.
The other Kenyan Ednah Jebitok made to the semis after winning an appeal lodged by Team Kenya. She had be tripped in the final lap of the race and pre-race favourite Sifan Hassan who was behind her also fell.
Jebitok suffered some injury and its expected she will recover before the semis. Hassan bounced back and had energy that saw her win the second heat in 4:05.17.
All eyes now will be on Kipyegon as she moves closer to prove to the world she still has what it takes to defend the title she won four years ago in Rio.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s Winnie Nanyondo stormed to the semifinal after finishing second behind Kipyegon posting 4:02:24.
Ethiopian duo of Freweyni Gebreezibeher, Lemlem Hailu also made it to the semifinal whereas their countrywoman Diribe Welteji failed to make it after clocking 4:10.25.
Djibouti’s Souhra Ali Mohamed together with Rababe Arafi of Morocco, were unable to finish their respective heats after dropping out at the middle of the race due to injuries.
Photos Credit: Agencies
