After a glittering 2025 season that saw her set a world record and successfully defend her World 1,500m title, three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon is looking to carry her fine form into the 2026 calendar, with her sights set on the newly introduced Ultimate Challenge Championships.
Speaking at the University of Eldoret (UoE) during the 10th edition of the Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) games, Kipyegon said she would outline her goals once the new year begins, but confirmed that the Diamond League series and the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary, will be key targets.
“I don’t know what will happen next year, but we have hope that we shall do well. Right now, we are enjoying Christmas and family bonding. When the year starts, that is when we shall set our goals,” said the multiple world champion.
“However, every athlete is looking at the Ultimate Championships, the new event introduced by World Athletics. That is where our focus will be, alongside the Diamond Leagues.”
Reflecting on her 2025 campaign, Kipyegon described it as a season of “all highs,” highlighted by retaining her 1,500m crown at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
“I am happy that this season went on well, and I hope next year will be beautiful again. After Christmas, we will go back to training and see what the new year offers,” she said.
On the ongoing KUSF games, Kipyegon lauded the role of university sports in nurturing young talent, noting the significance of the event being hosted at UoE, an institution that honoured her with an honorary doctorate.
“It is good for young people to be involved in sports, and I am happy to be back home. This university offered me a doctorate, and I will always be happy to come back,” she said.
Watching students compete on the sandy UoE track, Kipyegon recalled using the same facility while preparing for her historic Breaking 4 Challenge in Paris, France.
“The UoE track is a blessing for me and many other athletes. I have great respect for this facility because it is where I did all my training ahead of Breaking 4,” she said.
“This track hosts world-leading athletes from all walks of life who travel here for speed work as they prepare for global championships.”
Kipyegon also urged the government to invest in more training facilities to support the growing number of athletes, particularly with Kipchoge Keino Stadium currently closed.
“We don’t have enough training facilities in the country, and right now this is the only available track. I urge the government to build and improve more facilities, especially in universities, to give athletes better training grounds and support those in the community,” she added.