WAC: Chepchirchir content despite missing out on podium finish
Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji, Kenya's Faith Kipyegon, Australia's Linden Hall and Britain's Georgia Bell compete in the women's 1500m heat of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 6, 2024. (Photo by Martin BERNETTI / AFP)
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The rising star registered a personal best of 3:55.25, just nine milliseconds shy of Australia’s Jessica Hull, who bagged a bronze medal.
The 22-year-old failed to reel in the tiring Jessica Hull at the finish line, where she just needed to dip in front to edge the Australian and complete a podium sweep for Kenya.
“There’s nothing to regret because I made it to the finals,” noted Nelly.
This was Chepchirchir's third major global event, and it missed out on the podium in all three.
She finished fifth in her first World Athletics Championships in Budapest in 2023 and 13th in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
“The race was good because we all wanted to make the finals since the first day. I appreciate the results because even though I am out of the medal bracket, I picked my personal best.”
Chepchirchir came into the World Championships on the back of remarkable form, winning the overall Diamond League title in Zurich last month, where she beat Jessica Hull, and registering just a single loss this year.
Her only loss of the calendar year came in Brussels last month, when she finished third behind the USA’s Nikki Hiltz and Australia’s Linden Hall.
However, the sixth-ranked 1500m runner was elated and couldn’t be happier for her compatriots Faith Kipyegon and Dorcas Ewoi, who bagged gold and silver medals for Kenya, respectively.
“I’m so excited to have run my personal best. This year has been so good to me,” added Chepchirchir.
Faith Kipyegon timed 3:52.15, winning her fourth unprecedented world title, matching decorated steeplechaser Ezekiel Kemboi, with Dorcas Ewoi clocking 3:54.92 to win her first major medal at a global event.
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