29-year-old runner Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon was awarded money and a house worth nearly $100,000 by the Kenyan government after breaking the 1,500m and 5,000m world records earlier this month.
Kipyegon set a world record in the 1,500m at the Florence Diamond League, Italy on June 2. Photo: AFP
At a ceremony on June 14, Kenyan President William Ruto announced the government ’s award to Kipyegon. Accordingly, the 29-year-old runner will receive a bonus of nearly $36,000 for the 1,500m record and a house worth $43,000 for the 5,000m record.
William Ruto stressed that the Kenyan government will award any runner in the country a reward of 5 million shillings (nearly 36,000 USD) if they break the world record. This is an unprecedented recognition in the history of Kenyan sports .
"Today, we will start with Kipyegon. She broke two world records in the 1,500 meters in Italy and the 5,000 meters in France. The government will give Kipyegon two separate bonuses for each record," the Kenyan President said.
William Ruto also pledged to work with organisations to inspire young athletes to raise Kenya’s profile in the international and world arena. “We have the talent, the talent pool in Kenya that can break any record. Going forward, we will work closely with our athletes and reward them accordingly,” he said.
Ferdinand Omanyala was also awarded $14,000 for winning the 100 metres at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Omanyala and Kipyegon were joined on the podium by fellow marathoners Geoffrey Kamworor, Geoffrey Mutai, Moraa and former hurdler Milcah Chemos.
"I feel so appreciated with this wonderful reception," Kipyegon said as he accepted his award at the ceremony. "I didn't expect such a reception. Coming to Paris, I didn't think I would break the 5,000m record and I still don't believe it, but it's a great feeling. I want to thank all Kenyans for their support."
Kipyegon had a historic week. She finished first in the 1,500m with a time of 3:49.23 at the Florence Diamond League on June 2, breaking the record of 3:50.07 set by Ethiopian athlete Genzebe Dibaba in July 2015. On June 9, the Kenyan runner continued to break the women's 5,000m record with a time of 14:05.20. The previous milestone belonged to Ethiopian athlete Letesenbet Gidey with 14:06.62, set in October 2020.
According to the World Athletics Federation, Kipyegon is the first athlete to simultaneously hold the 1,500m and 5,000m world records. She also became the first Kenyan athlete to hold the 5,000m world record.
Hong Duy
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