World 1,500 champion and record holder Faith Kipyegon suffered her first defeat of 2023 on Sunday, October 1 in Riga, Latvia.

Kipyegon, who has since earned the moniker – GOAT, had to settle for bronze in women’s Road Mile at the inaugural World Road Running Championships.

Competing for the first tie on road, Kipyegon had exhibited all the hallmarks of winning the race, only for Ethiopian Diribe Welteji to outwit her and win the race.

The 21-year-old clocked 4:20.98 to win the inaugural world Road Mile. Her compatriot Freweyni Hailu sealed second spot in 4:23.06. Kipyegon came third in 4:24.18.

Faith Kipyegon speaks

Kipyegon has thanked her fans for the overwhelming support and sentients of encouragement after the defeat.

“After an incredible year with 3 World Records and 2 World titles on the track, I’m proud to finish the season with another World Championships medal in my first road race ever. 2023, you were amazing, and now… holiday and family time,” Kipyegon said.

She says she will use this race as a learning curve. “Every race presents a learning curve, this first road race has offered me an opportunity to calibrate and fine tune for the next season.”