Athletics

President Ruto honours Faith Kipyegon with prestigious Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart title

Gold medallist Kenya's Faith Kipyegon poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's 1500m during the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon on July 19, 2022. (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP)

By Sports Reporter | Tuesday, December 12, 2023

The 29-year-old mother has broken three world records in the 1500m, mile, and 5000m events. Her stellar performance continued at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where she secured two world championship titles.

Faith Kipyegon has been conferred the rank and status of the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya by President William Ruto during the Jamhuri Day Celebrations held at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

Holder of world records in the 1500m and 5000m events, Kipyegon was crowned the Women’s World Athlete of the Year for track events in a remarkable 2023 season at the World Athletics Awards in Monaco on December 11, 2023.

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The 29-year-old mother has broken three world records in the 1500m, mile, and 5000m events. Her stellar performance continued at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where she secured two world championship titles. Kipyegon successfully defended her title in the 1500m and claimed her first world championship over 5000m, facing one of the most competitive fields in the event’s history.

“On Jamhuri Day 2022, I announced a grand plan to transform Kenyan sports and creatives into a significant industry to expand livelihood opportunities for our youth, through the Government flagship Talanta Hela Initiative, which we officially unveiled in June this year. Our sportsmen and women continue to make our country proud with their conquests far and wide. Our women's volleyball and men’s rugby have qualified for the Paris Olympics in 2024. Our athletes continue to excel at various global events as well exemplified by the shining performances in the long and middle-distance races," said the President in his speech.

“Today, I have conferred upon our world-beating athlete Faith Kipyegon the rank and status of the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H.), the highest honour our country awards its citizens who illuminate the path of excellence. She has earned her place at the very top, from running barefoot to breaking two world records within a year is the ultimate heroism. Faith’s journey is an inspiration to all our young and aspiring athletes” he stated.

Widely anticipated to clinch the Women’s World Athlete of the Year for track events award, Kipyegon faced stiff competition but emerged victorious, becoming the first Kenyan woman to receive this accolade since its establishment in 1988. The previous year’s recipient was United States’ 400m hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.