Faith Kipyegon Stunned in Rare Eugene Upset as Kenyan Stars Still Pocket Millions at Diamond League
Faith Kipyegon’s remarkable dominance on the track came to an unexpected halt at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, as the Kenyan superstar suffered one of the biggest defeats of her illustrious career. But despite the shock result, Kenya’s athletes still walked away with impressive victories—and millions of shillings in prize money.
The Diamond League meeting delivered high drama on Saturday, with triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon finishing outside the top two in an international middle-distance race for the first time in years.
Kipyegon, widely regarded as the greatest female middle-distance runner in history, was unable to extend her long unbeaten streak after American Nikki Hiltz unleashed a devastating finishing kick in the closing metres of the women’s mile.
Hiltz stormed to victory in a world-leading 4:17.49, smashing the long-standing Prefontaine Classic meet record. Rising Kenyan star Dorcus Ewoi continued her impressive breakthrough season by claiming second place in a personal best of 4:17.62, while Kipyegon crossed the line third in 4:17.80.
The result marked Kipyegon’s first Diamond League defeat over the 1500m or mile since 2021 and represented one of the rare occasions the multiple world record holder has been beaten in her signature events.
Kipyegon Reacts to Shock Defeat
Despite the disappointment, Kipyegon remained composed after the race, insisting she was encouraged by her fitness as she continues preparations for the major championships later this season.
“The race was good. I’m happy that I’ve competed healthily. I’m so happy to have done my first middle-distance race of the year. This is sports, and we accept the outcome. It’s a little tough. I just wanted to follow the ladies. That’s why I’m not going crazy,” she said.
The Eugene meeting marked only Kipyegon’s third outing of the 2026 campaign, with the Kenyan adopting a carefully managed racing schedule after years of competing at the highest level.
Millions Up for Grabs
Although victory slipped away, Kipyegon still earned a substantial payday.
The women’s mile was designated as one of the Diamond League’s premium Diamond+ Discipline events, meaning athletes competed for significantly enhanced prize money.
Race winner Nikki Hiltz collected USD 20,000 (approximately KSh2.5 million), while runner-up Dorcus Ewoi earned USD 6,000 (around KSh778,000).
Kipyegon’s third-place finish was worth USD 4,000, equivalent to approximately KSh518,000, excluding appearance fees commonly paid to elite athletes.
Faith Cherotich Announces Her Return
While Kipyegon’s defeat dominated headlines, another Kenyan produced one of the performances of the night.
World 3,000m steeplechase champion Faith Cherotich claimed her first Diamond League victory of the season after holding off Olympic champion Winfred Yavi in a thrilling sprint to the finish.
Cherotich clocked 8:51.74 to secure victory, with Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani setting a national record for third place and Uganda’s Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai finishing fifth.
The Kenyan revealed the victory was especially emotional after overcoming a lengthy injury setback.
“I’m happy the race was good. I’m happy I’m back, and I thank God because I’m back after a long injury,” Cherotich said after the race.
Unlike the women’s mile, the steeplechase was contested under the standard Diamond League prize structure, earning Cherotich USD 10,000—approximately KSh1.2 million.
Odira Continues Remarkable Rise
Kenya’s celebrations did not end there.
World 800m champion Lilian Odira continued her sensational form by defeating Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson for the second consecutive race.
Odira timed her finish perfectly to win in 1:56.19, despite an unusually aggressive pace set by the pacemaker early in the race.
Hodgkinson settled for second in 1:56.73, recreating the finishing order from the World Championships and reinforcing Odira’s growing reputation as one of the world’s premier 800m athletes.
Her victory also earned the standard Diamond League winner’s prize of USD 10,000 (approximately KSh1.2 million).
Kenya Leaves Eugene with More Silverware
Although Faith Kipyegon’s rare defeat became the talking point of the evening, Kenya ultimately enjoyed another outstanding Diamond League outing.
With victories from Faith Cherotich and Lilian Odira, a runner-up finish for Dorcus Ewoi, and substantial prize earnings across multiple events, the Eugene meeting once again underlined Kenya’s continued dominance in global middle- and long-distance athletics—even on a night when one of its greatest champions finally proved she was human.
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