Janet Jepkemboi Amimo Shatters Second Kentucky School Record in Two Months With 1500m Run of 4:13.58

In a sport where improvement is often incremental and school records stand for years, what Janet Jepkemboi Amimo is doing at Kentucky is nothing short of astonishing. In just her freshman season, the distance running sensation has not only burst onto the collegiate scene — she’s completely rewritten it. In less than two months, Amimo has broken two school records, her most recent coming in the 1500 meters with a dazzling time of 4:13.58 at the Cardinal Classic in Palo Alto.

For a freshman to break one school record is impressive. To break two? In different events? In her first outdoor season? That borders on legendary. Yet for those around the Kentucky track and field program, this level of performance from Amimo is quickly becoming the norm — a thrilling, exhilarating, almost surreal kind of norm.

“It’s wild to say this, but at this point, we’re just not surprised anymore,” said one Kentucky coach. “She trains like a pro, carries herself like a veteran, and when it’s time to race, she shows up. It doesn’t matter if it’s 800m, 1500m, or whatever — Janet is ready to compete. And she’s doing it at a record-setting level.”

At the Cardinal Classic, Amimo lined up against a deep and experienced field. Conditions were ideal — a cool evening with a light breeze, perfect for distance racing. But while the setting may have been calm, Amimo’s intent was anything but. From the opening gun, she ran with purpose, sitting comfortably near the front of the pack, never out of touch with the leaders. Her pacing was clinical, her stride smooth, her focus unwavering.

As the final lap bell rang, Amimo made her move, shifting gears and unleashing a powerful kick that left many in her wake. Her closing speed turned heads, but it was the final clock — 4:13.58 — that stunned spectators and confirmed what her teammates and coaches already knew: Janet Jepkemboi Amimo is rewriting the rules.

That time didn’t just win the race. It crushed the previous Kentucky women’s 1500m record and established her as one of the top middle-distance runners in the NCAA this season. Her performance now ranks among the best in program history and is putting Kentucky on the map in events traditionally dominated by other powerhouse programs.

Her 1500m record comes just weeks after she broke the school’s 800m outdoor record, a mark that had stood for several years. That first breakthrough seemed to signal a new standard for Kentucky’s distance program. Now, with her latest feat, Amimo is not only setting records — she’s setting a tone.

What’s most remarkable about Amimo is that she’s doing all of this as a true freshman — a young woman adjusting to a new country, a new training program, and the academic demands of a major university. Originally from Kenya, Amimo arrived in Lexington with undeniable potential but few could’ve predicted how quickly she’d acclimate and dominate.

Her transition has been seamless, thanks in part to a strong support system within the Kentucky athletics department and her own inner drive. From early morning workouts to afternoon training sessions and late-night study halls, Amimo has approached every aspect of college life with the same intensity she brings to the track.

“She’s just locked in,” said one teammate. “She’s not flashy, she’s not loud. She just does the work and lets her legs do the talking. And right now, they’re screaming.”

Amimo’s training regimen is built on a foundation of endurance, speed development, and mental toughness. Under the guidance of Kentucky’s coaching staff, she’s found the perfect balance between hard training and smart recovery. Her workouts are demanding, often pushing her to the brink, but they’re carefully tailored to prepare her for the exact race-day demands she faces.

And she’s reaping the rewards.

Beyond the numbers and accolades, Amimo’s impact is being felt throughout the team. Her presence has elevated the training environment, inspiring teammates to push harder, aim higher, and believe more deeply in their potential. She has become, in just a short time, a leader by example — one whose work ethic and humility set a high bar.

It’s also impossible to ignore the broader significance of her rise. In an NCAA landscape increasingly dominated by veteran athletes and transfer standouts, Amimo is a rare gem — a young, homegrown freshman doing things that even seasoned runners struggle to match. Her performances have sparked conversations about the changing face of women’s distance running in the SEC and across the country.

Analysts are now beginning to project where her season could go. With championship meets looming, Amimo is peaking at the right time. Her current trajectory points toward strong showings at both the SEC Outdoor Championships and the NCAA Championships. Depending on how her progression continues, she could very well contend for a national title.

But if you ask Amimo, she’s not thinking that far ahead. Her focus remains squarely on getting better — one workout, one mile, one race at a time.

“I just want to keep improving,” she said after her record-setting 1500m. “I trust my coaches. I trust my training. I don’t think too much about times or records. I think about running my best every time I step on the track.”

That mindset — simple, grounded, and quietly fierce — is the secret sauce behind Amimo’s rise. She’s not chasing the spotlight. She’s chasing excellence. And along the way, she’s taking the Kentucky track program with her to unprecedented heights.

Off the track, Amimo remains grounded and focused. She spends her time balancing a full academic schedule, studying for exams, and adjusting to life in a new country. But whether she’s in the classroom, the weight room, or the track, there’s a quiet confidence about her — a sense that she knows exactly where she’s headed.

As the outdoor season enters its critical stretch, the eyes of the collegiate track world are now firmly fixed on Amimo. She has the potential to do more than just set school records — she has the ability to contend on the national stage, to inspire the next generation of runners, and to build a legacy that future Wildcats will strive to match.

Kentucky’s coaching staff is already talking about what’s next. More training refinement. More competition. Possibly more records. But also, the bigger picture: Amimo’s long-term development, her potential post-collegiate career, and how to help her fulfill every ounce of the extraordinary talent she clearly possesses.

For now, though, Janet Jepkemboi Amimo is focused on the present — and the present is thrilling. With two school records under her belt and a sky-high ceiling still to reach, she has already achieved more in her first outdoor season than many do in their entire college careers.

And the most exciting part? She’s just getting started.