Faith Kipyegon reveals hamstring injury setback, vows to return stronger
By Valerian Khakayi, August 19, 2026World champion Faith Kipyegon has opened up about an injury setback that has kept her from competing at her best, revealing that she has been managing a hamstring injury since the end of May.
In a statement shared with her fans on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Kipyegon said the injury has taken longer to recover from than she had initially expected.
“As athletes, we ask a lot from our bodies. There is always a thin line between being fit and the risk of injury,” Kipyegon said.
The three-time Olympic champion said she has decided to prioritise her recovery rather than rush her return to competition.
“Since the end of May, I have been dealing with a hamstring injury, and unfortunately it needs a bit longer to recover than I had hoped.I know that taking care of it now is the most important thing I can do to come back at my best,” she added.
Kipyegon said she will use the period to heal, recover and regain her strength before returning to the track.
“So for now, I will take the time to heal, recover and get stronger. I’ll be back,” she said.
What is a hamstring injury?
A hamstring injury affects the group of three muscles located at the back of the thigh. These muscles help bend the knee and extend the hip, making them particularly important for athletes involved in running, sprinting, and jumping.
Hamstring injuries can range from a mild strain, where muscle fibres are overstretched, to a more serious tear. They can cause pain at the back of the thigh, tenderness, swelling, bruising and difficulty walking or running, depending on the severity of the injury.
For athletes, returning to intense training or competition too soon can increase the risk of aggravating the injury or suffering another hamstring problem.
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury. Rest, rehabilitation and a gradual return to activity are commonly used as part of recovery, with athletes often working closely with medical and fitness teams.
Kipyegon’s decision to take additional time away from competition highlights the importance of allowing an injury to heal fully, particularly for an elite athlete whose body is subjected to repeated high-intensity training and competition.
The Kenyan middle-distance star has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading athletes, and her latest update will likely leave fans eagerly awaiting her return to the track.
For now, Kipyegon says her focus is on recovery, getting stronger and returning when she is ready.