Kipyegon, who has dominated the middle-distance event for years, said she is planning a slow but deliberate transition, with the goal of following in the footsteps of her training partner, two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge.

The 31-year-old has already competed in the 5 000m, winning silver medals at both the Olympics and World Championships, finishing behind close friend Beatrice Chebet on both occasions. Kipyegon believes the same patience and discipline that earned her success in the 1500m will help her eventually conquer the marathon, using distance track races as a stepping stone.