Faith Kipyegon has earned the right to have an off day.
That was the message from fellow Kenyan middle-distance runner Lilian Odira, who has come to the defence of the three-time Olympic champion following criticism over her fourth-place finish in the women’s 3,000 metres at the Monaco Diamond League.
Kipyegon crossed the line in 8:24.21 earlier this month, finishing behind compatriot Agnes Ngetich, who stormed to victory in a world-leading personal best of 8:08.95. The result marked a rare defeat for one of Kenya’s most decorated athletes.
After the race, Kipyegon revealed she had not been at full fitness, saying she had been managing a hamstring injury sustained during the Shanghai Diamond League.
Speaking ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Odira appealed to Kenyans to show patience and perspective.
“Faith has carried the burden for this country since I was young,” Odira said. “She has been running for us, winning gold medals, and I don’t think there is a single medal she has missed.”
She questioned why some supporters had been quick to criticise an athlete whose achievements have defined Kenya’s dominance in middle-distance running for more than a decade.
“She has done exceptionally well, and now that she has had only a couple of difficult races, we seem to have forgotten everything she has done for our country,” Odira added.
Odira also noted that elite athletes often compete while managing injuries that are not immediately known to the public. She said it was unfair to judge Kipyegon’s legacy based on a handful of performances while she continues her recovery.
Kipyegon’s fourth-place finish came just days after she placed third in the women’s mile at the Prefontaine Classic, another indication that she has yet to return to peak condition.
Despite the recent setbacks, the Kenyan star remains one of the favourites for major championships later this season. Her record includes three Olympic 1,500m titles and multiple world championships, achievements that have firmly established her among the greatest middle-distance runners in history.
For Odira, that legacy should not be overshadowed by a difficult start to the campaign.
“Champions also face difficult moments,” she said, urging fans to continue standing behind Kipyegon as she works her way back to full fitness.
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