Faith Kipyegon won her 10km debut at the Monaco Run in 29:46 on February 15, a huge statement in the athletics realm.
What happened?
Kipyegon's victory has sparked talk of a potential transition to long distances, particularly road running and the marathon.
She stunned the world with record-breaking performances in 2023, earning her the nickname "the smiling assassin".
Why it matters for Faith Kipyegon
At 32 years old, Kipyegon is considering a change from her dominant 1500m career, where she holds the 3:48.68 record set in July last year at the Eugene Diamond League.
Her training mates, including Eliud Kipchoge and Geoffrey Kamworor, have successfully transitioned from track to road running.
What comes next?
If Kipyegon exits the 1500m and 5000m, attention will turn to Kenyan women like Dorcus Ewoi, Nelly Chepchirchir, and Susan Ejore to fill the gap.
Youngsters like Caren Jepchirchir are also joining the race to continue Kenya's dominance in the women's 1500m.
Kipyegon told World Athletics after her win, "It's a matter of learning, to know how the roads work. I normally talk of doing a marathon in the future, so this is the start."
Her last successful long-distance race was at the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour in February 2023, where she emerged the winner.
Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic champion, tested his road running potential 20 years ago but did not transition immediately to long-distance running.
He placed third in his half-marathon debut in Lille in 2008 but did not make a fast switch to the marathon until 2013.
Kipyegon's win in Monaco has raised questions about who will replace her as the world's 1500m queen.
Beatrice Chebet, a double Olympic and world champion, is the second fastest Kenyan woman in the 1500m, although it is not her specialty.
Kipyegon's potential transition to long distances will be closely watched by fans and athletics observers alike.