Kipyegon clocked 3:49.04, taking 0.07 off the world record she set last year in Florence, in the women's 1500m final race in the French capital on Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I knew the world record was possible because I recently ran very fast in Kenya. I was coming here to just run my race and to see what shape I\u2019m in to defend my title at the Olympics,\" said Kipyegon, who clocked 3:53.98 at Kenya\u2019s Olympic Trials.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The early pace was swift, with Kipyegon covering 800m in 2:04 as Australia\u2019s Jess Hull positioned herself just a stride behind the multiple world and Olympic champion. With the pacemakers having dropped out, Kipyegon covered the third lap in 60.8 seconds and continued to increase her pace. She kicked at the bell and opened up a gap over Hull, striding clear to win in 3:49.04, according to World Athletics.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I knew the world record was possible because I recently ran very fast in Kenya. I was coming here to just run my race and to see what shape I\u2019m in to defend my title at the Olympics,\" said Kipyegon, who clocked 3:53.98 at Kenya\u2019s Olympic Trials.<\/p>\r\n\r\n