Texas Tech University Athletics
Sally Kipyego: Three-Time National Champion
March 13, 2007 | Track and Field
March 13, 2007
Sally Kipyego, the Texas Tech sophomore distance runner, has quickly become synonymous with several words: champion, elite, undefeated, sensational. In just two seasons with Tech, the 2006 cross country and 2007 indoor track seasons, she has already stamped her name into the record book four times and ran her way to three national titles.
Most recently, the Marakwet, Kenya, native became a dual champion at the 2007 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, the first Red Raider to do so. On Fri., March 9th, Kipyego took the 5000M crown in a school-record time of 15:27.42, resetting her own record of 15:39.51. With the victory, she became only the second Red Raider to earn an indoor title.
The following day, Kipyego raced to her second title of the championships as she was crowned the 3000M champion. Despite not leading the entire race, the Red Raider upheld her undefeated status as she took over in the final 300M to win the race in a clocking of 9:02.05. With the victory, she became the all-time leader in Texas Tech history for national titles won, surpassing former distance runner Leigh Daniel who earned two national titles (1999 indoor 5000M and 1999 outdoor 10000M).
Earning two titles at one championship is a daunting task, much less earning two in a lifetime. Kipyego became only the fourth Big 12 competitor to win two indoor titles in the history of the conference and only the second to do so in the same year, joining Marshavet Hooker of Texas.
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Adding to the fact that she is a three-time national champion is her accomplishment in Big 12 titles, as Kipyego has already earned four, tying for the second most in Tech women's history. She raced to the cross country title in 2006 and won three in February, the mile, 3000M and as anchor of the distance medley relay.
Kipyego's ability in NCAA Division I outdoor track is yet to be seen. With the sophomore's pace, she is set to become the most decorated track athlete in Texas Tech history, if one doesn't already consider her to be. The 2007 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships are set for June 6-9 - that chapter is soon to be written.
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