The 32-year-old, who is the world record holder for the 1500 metres and the mile, and the former world record holder for the 5000 metres, revealed she has been battling a hamstring injury since the end of May, and her recovery had taken longer than she had hoped.
Kipyegon is the only three-time Olympic champion in the 1500 metres, having won a gold medal each at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro, 2020 Tokyo, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
She also won a gold medal in the 1500 metres at the 2017, 2022, 2023 and 2025 World Championships and in the 5000 metres at the 2023 World Championships.
‘I have been dealing with injury’
In an emotional message, Kipyegon wrote on her official media accounts: “As athletes, we ask a lot from our bodies. There is always a thin line between being fit and the risk of injury.
“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. So, for now, I will take the time to heal, recover and get stronger. I’ll be back.”
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kipyegon became the first athlete ever to win three consecutive gold medals in the 1500m women's race, where she also set a new Olympic record.
In addition to the 1500m, she had previously earned a silver medal in the women’s 5000m, after successfully appealing a disqualification.
Kipyegon won first race in Monaco
Kipyegon’s last race was during the Monaco Diamond League, where she finished fourth in the women’s 3,000 metres, clocking a time of 8:24.21.
Her first race of the season was in Monaco where she clocked 29:46 after making her 10km debut at the Monaco Run.
However, in July, Kipyegon competed in Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, where she lost steam in the final lap of the women’s mile, finishing third in 4:17.80 as American Nikki Hiltz cruised to victory.
Hiltz held off world silver medallist Dorcus Ewoi, who clocked a PB of 4:17.62 for second place, while world record-holder and multiple global gold medallist Kipyegon was third in 4:17.80.
Kipyegon later explained how she had been dealing with a hamstring injury since the Diamond League meeting in Shanghai, where she won the promotional 5000m in 14:24.14.
Kipyegon said as quoted by the IAAF website: “Since Shanghai, I’ve been dealing with a hamstring injury, but the last two weeks have been a step in the right direction.
“I didn’t want to miss the Nike Prefontaine Classic, and I didn’t want to miss competing in the magic of Hayward Field. From here, we keep building, step by step, towards a strong second half of the season.”
Kenyans wish Faith quick recovery
A section of Kenyans took to their social media pages to wish Kipyegon a quick recovery.
Bokuz Boaz said: “Injury is part and parcel of our beloved sport; Track & Field games are “Extreme” Sports. Super demanding to the body, give it the time it needs to fully recover, and you will come out and back stronger.”
Samuel Wanjoyi said: “Take all the time needed, your well-being comes first. You are a natural athlete; you will be back stronger,” while Baba Lebron added: “We are waiting for you our champion, take all the time so that you can come back stronger.”
Kimurkong Longstan Zxark Kimaru wrote: “Wish you well Kipyegon, quick recovery, heal well and come back super strong", while John Langat wrote: “Quick recovery champion.”
Festus Kipgkogei concluded: “-You’ve given everything to this sport, and right now your body is asking for something in return: time. That is not weakness - that is wisdom.
“The same fighter, who has rewritten history on the track, is now showing even greater strength by choosing the longer road to full recovery.
“The track will still be there. Your records will still stand. And when you step onto it again, the world will see what we already know: Faith Kipyegon does not just return - she rises.
“I’ll be waiting for that comeback.”
As a junior, Kipyegon won gold medals at the 2011 and 2013 World Cross Country Championships and in the 1500m at the 2011 World Youth Championships and the 2012 World Junior Championships.
Kipyegon is one of only 11 athletes to win world championship titles at the youth, junior, and senior levels of an athletic event.
