© Faith Kipyegon
© Faith Kipyegon

Faith Kipyegon receives Honorary Degree Award from Kenyan University [PHOTOS]

Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 21.11.24. | 18:33

Honorary degrees celebrate individuals who excel in public service, academia, culture, sports, or professional fields

Triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education by the University of Eldoret in recognition of her remarkable achievements in athletics and her inspiring journey as a world-class middle-distance runner.

The honorary degree was conferred during the university’s 13th graduation ceremony on Thursday 21 November at the University's grounds. The institution lauded Kipyegon’s exceptional contributions to sports and her ability to inspire millions globally.

“Faith Kipyegon is a distinguished middle and long-distance runner, holding the 1,500m and mile world records. She is the first athlete to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the women’s 1,500m race,” the university stated.

Honorary degrees celebrate individuals who excel in public service, academia, culture, sports, or professional fields.

For Faith Kipyegon, this recognition adds another milestone to her extraordinary career, underscoring her impact on athletics and beyond.

Kipyegon’s 2024 season cemented her legacy as one of the greatest athletes in history. She became the first to win a third Olympic gold in the 1,500m and secured silver in the 5,000m at the Paris Olympics.

Earlier in the year, she set a new 1,500m record at the Paris Diamond League, clocking 3:49.04, shaving 0.07 seconds off her previous record.

Her dominance extends beyond 2024. In 2023, she shattered world records in both the 1,500m and the mile within just 49 days.

Off the track, Kipyegon’s influence continues to soar. In September, she received the prestigious Golden Plate from the United States Academy of Achievers, honouring her Olympic triumphs.

She also dazzled at the Athlos New York City meet, winning the women-only race in 4:04.79 and pocketing Ksh7.7 million in prize money.

She started her season with an injury setback that saw her miss the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen and the Prefontaine Classic.

After shaking off the injury, Kipyegon graced the Paris Olympics qualifiers in June, where she qualified for both the 1,500m and 5,000m categories.

Kipyegon warmed up for the Olympics with the Paris Diamond League where she set a new record by clocking a time of 3:49:04, eclipsing her previous record by 0.07 seconds.

At the Olympics, she won a historic third 1,500m title and took home silver in the 5,000m event.

Following that, she graced the Rome Diamond League, where she brushed aside Australia’s Jessica Hull to sprint home for a 3:52.89 finish.

Her fine form continued during the Brussels Diamond League where she won her fifth trophy after clocking 3:54:75 to set a new meeting record.


Photos courtesy: Faith Kipyegon, Athletics Kenya


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