Kipyegon feted as July Sports Personality of the Month

Two-time Olympic women's 1500m gold medallist Faith Kipyegon is the July Sports Personality of the Year.

The star girl was awarded in a ceremony held at the Global Sports Communication athletics camp in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County on Wednesday 2 August.

Kipyegon saw off the likes of 3000m steeplechaser Jackline Chepkoech, and basketballers Eugene Adera and Derrick Ongechi to win the gong.

The 29-year-old stamped her authority as Queen of the Track after breaking the women’s mile record at the Monaco Diamond League in France, clocking 4:07:64 to obliterate 2019 Sifan Hassan’s record by five seconds.

Prior to the Monaco milestone, the high-flying Kipyegon set a 1500-m record in 3:49:11 at the Florence Diamond League before smashing a 14:05:20 at the Paris Diamond League a week later.

Kipyegon scoops top award for June exploits

“I am so grateful, happy, and excited to be named the Sports Personality of July. In June, we jokingly said that I would get the award for July and August and I am glad that it has come to pass. I hope for the best, and I hope to get another award in August because everything is possible,” the excited Kipyegon said.

The event was also graced by Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee member in charge of Sports Lucy Njoroge who was pleased with the initiative, noting that the county was willing to support its athletes. Eldoret is commonly known as the City of Champions due to the array of athletic talents.

Faith Kipyegon obliterates mile world record by five seconds

“We are happy for Faith and grateful to the SJAK and LG team for this gesture. We ask you to keep holding our athletes’ hands. As a county, we assure our support for the athletes,” the CEC offered.

According to LG Public Relations and digital manager Glenda Achieng’ the partnership was the best way to show appreciation for the athletes’ incredible job.

“From my end, I congratulate Faith. We are so proud of you and how far you have taken our country. Also as LG electronics, we are happy to be part of revamping your whole home. LG is glad to be partnering with SJAK to award Kipyegon. Keep going, keep moving. You are inspiring many athletes,” Achieng’ offered.

Speaking on behalf of SJAK president, Executive Committee member Geoffrey Mwamburi said that the association was glad to be partnering with LG to reward athletes in different disciplines.

“On behalf of SJAK, we congratulate Faith for winning this award and motivating our athletes. We also thank our partners LG for this long working relationship.”

“Faith got this award because of her efforts on the track, and she has made not only Kenya proud, but also the world. At SJAK we want to say that good things are coming, and this is to motivate all other athletes in different fields to ensure they do their best during training and competition,” Mwamburi concluded.