T. NashipaeDouble delight for Kipyegon as she is feted by the state
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 12.12.23. | 15:51
The recognition comes barely a day after the double-world record holder made history in Monaco as the first Kenyan to win the Women's World Athlete of the Year for track events
World 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon added another feather to her already decorated cabinet after being conferred with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) commendation during the Jamhuri Day celebrations held at the Uhuru Gardens on December 12.
The recognition came less than a day after the double-world record holder made history in Monaco as the first Kenyan to win the Women's World Athlete of the Year for track events. Kipyegon has been enjoying an impeccable 2023 season.
"Today I have conferred upon our world-beating athlete; Faith Kipyegon the status of Elder of the Order of the Grand Warrior (EGH). The highest honor our country awards individuals who illuminate the path of excellence. She has earned her spot at the very top. From running barefoot to breaking world records. That is the ultimate stage of heroism," President Ruto said.
From running barefoot in primary school to breaking world records, Kipyegon's story is one of hope and determination. Her first breakthrough was winning the 2011 World Cross Country junior race.
"Faith's journey is an inspiration to all our young and aspiring athletes," the President said.
The Stargirl set world records in an incredible three distances during a season in which she also achieved a golden double at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
At the Diamond League meeting in Florence in June, in just her second track race of the season, Kipyegon broke the world 1500m record with 3:49.11, taking almost a full second off the previous mark.
Just one week later, despite having raced the 5000m just twice before, she improved the world record for that event, clocking 14:05.20 in Paris to shave 1.42 seconds from the previous record.
Her record was however later broken by Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay.
Her third world record came in Monaco, where she smashed the previous mile mark by five seconds, clocking 4:07.64.
Then, in Budapest, she won her third senior world 1500m title and her first world 5000m crown.
She capped her season with another global medal, bronze in the road mile, at the World Athletics Road Running Championships Riga 23.
"Ferdinand Omanyala, Mary Moraa, Kelvin Kiptum, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Faith Cherotich who have also registered their presence on the world's stage and they too will be feted," the President concluded.
