World 1,500m and mile record holder, Faith Kipyegon, has withdrawn from the upcoming Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, set for next week citing injury concerns.
The three-time world 1,500m champion was geared up for her first race of the season in the 5,000m, a year after smashing the world record over the distance at the Wanda Diamond League in Paris last season.
In a statement on her social media, Kipyegon revealed she has been grappling with a persistent muscle problem, prompting her to withdraw from the meet.
“I have been building in a great way during the past months for a beautiful season ahead. Some weeks back, I got a small muscle problem that was handled well.”
Her season is now set to begin during the Olympic Trials in four weeks time which Kipyegon has affirmed that she is back in full training mode.
“I’m now back in full training, focusing on starting my season in four weeks at the Kenyan Trials for the Olympic Games.”
Last month, Kipyegon also pulled out of the Diamond League meeting in Xiamen China, where she was set to compete in the 1,500m.
The 30-year-old, however, expressed her intentions to return to the championship next year saying,
“The Prefontaine Classic is one of the greatest competitions in the circuit and I plan to compete there again in 2025.”
Kipyegon etched herself into athletics history when she shattered three world records in just a month at the Wanda Diamond League in 2023.
