Athletics

Kenyan athletes Faith Kiyegon, Kelvin Kiptum shine among Top 100 Most Influential Africans

Kenya runners Kelvin Kiptum and Faith Kipyegon are among the top 100 most influential Africans of 2023. (Photo: KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI and JEWEL SAMAD/AFP)

By Sports Reporter | Thursday, January 4, 2024

Notable Kenyans on the list of the most influential Africans include James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Bank (in the business category), celebrity chef Ali Mandhry, filmmaker Wanuri Kaihiu, environmentalist Wanjira Mathai and historian Chao Maina.

In a recent release by the widely-read New African Magazine, Kenya's world record holder Faith Kipyegon and marathon sensation Kelvin Kiptum have earned spots in the prestigious list of the top 100 most influential Africans.

The list also features Kenya's President William Ruto, alongside other prominent figures in various industries.

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Faith Kipyegon's remarkable journey to breaking records commenced at the Diamond League Meeting in Florence, Italy, where she shattered the 1500m world record. The double World Champion achieved another feat by breaking the 5000m world record in Paris, France, and later setting a new one-mile world record at the Meeting in Monaco.

Kipyegon secured double gold at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, making history as the first woman to claim both titles.

“The time, yes, it was really good because the race was well-planned. It just went smoothly, and to accomplish the world record is amazing,” Kipyegon told Reuters.

On the other hand, Kelvin Kiptum had an extraordinary season, beginning with the London Marathon, where he clocked the third-fastest time in history to emerge victorious.

The reigning London Marathon champion continued his impressive run at the Chicago Marathon, shattering Eliud Kipchoge’s world record time with a remarkable 2:00:35 finish, surpassing Kipchoge’s previous record of 2:01:09.

Other notable Kenyans featured on the list of the most influential Africans include James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Bank (in the business category), celebrity chef Ali Mandhry, filmmaker Wanuri Kaihiu, environmentalist Wanjira Mathai, and historian Chao Maina.