Kipyegon dominated the race from start to finish, clocking 3 minutes 52.15 seconds, with fellow Kenyan Dorcus Ewoi taking silver in a personal best 3:54.92 and Australia's Jessica Hull winning bronze in 3:55.16, marking her country's first medal in the event.
The 31-year-old now equals Moroccan legend Hicham El Guerrouj's record of four world 1,500m golds (1997â€"2003) and is also eyeing her second world 5,000m title later this week.
'Being able to defend my title and to win a fourth gold feels really special,' Kipyegon told reporters. 'After setting the world record in Eugene [in July], I said to myself, 'I have to go to Tokyo and defend my title.' I knew I could run it under control.'
She reflected on her career milestone in Tokyo, the same city where she won her second Olympic gold in 2021 after giving birth to her daughter, Alyn. 'I won here in the 2021 Olympics just after becoming a mother, so being back here, winning again, means I can show a new gold medal to my daughter.'
Known fondly as the 'Queen of 1,500m,' Kipyegon grew up running barefoot in Kenya's Rift Valley before being discovered by a coach in 2009.
Since then, she has collected three Olympic golds, four world titles, and a world record, making her one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the sport.
Rania Umutoni
