1,500 metres and 5,000 metres world record holder Faith Kipyegon was treated to a heroic welcome on Tuesday, June 13, after she landed in the country aboard a Kenya Air Force Jet.
President William Ruto recognized athlete Faith Kipyegon for breaking two world records in the Paris Diamond League.
Ruto announced at State residence in Nairobi that Kipyegon will receive a residence worth Ksh6 million.
She would also get Ksh5 million in cash for breaking the 1,500 and 5,000 meter records.
“For every world record broken by a Kenyan, the government of Kenya is going to award Ksh5 million,” Ruto stated.
“She has won and broken two world records in 1,500 meters and 5,000 metres. The government of Kenya is going to award her Ksh5 million for one record and we are going to give her a house worth Ksh6 million,” Ruto added.
While receiving the Ksh5 million reward from President Ruto, Faith Kipyegon was overcome by emotions.
Faith said she will use the money to buy her father a new car which she had promised him before the race.
“Now, I can own a house in Nairobi and finally buy my father a car. I promised him when I was going to break a world record that I would buy a car for him,” an emotional Faith Kipyegon said.
Kipyegon was accompanied by her family members.
Kipyegon broke the 1500M world record at the Paris Diamond League after she clocked 3:49.11.
She set another world record at the tournament’s 5,000M race in France weeks after clocking 14:05.20, beating the previous record-holder, Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia.
“I do not know how I made it. I focused on the green light and tried relaxing and enjoying the race. I just did the race and wanted to see what happens; I was so surprised when I saw that it was a world record.
“It was all about giving my best as I wanted to improve on my (personal best). The world record was not my plan. I just ran after Gidey. She is an amazing lady. It is amazing,” an overwhelmed Kipyegon.
