Image: COURTESY
President William Ruto led Kenyans in celebrating athletes Faith Kipyegon, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Faith Cheritich, and Kelvin Kiptum after scooping prestigious awards at the World Athletics Awards held in Monte Carlo in Monaco, France, on Monday night.
The head of state penned a beautiful congratulatory message to the four- saluting them for flying the Kenyan fly high.
“A fitting crown for the Queen of the track, a worthy tribute to one the hardest working athletes alive today, the embodiment of excellence, versatility, fortitude, humility, and purpose; an incredible human being, a true champion and a once-in-a-lifetime talent. Congratulations Faith Kipyegon, the World Athlete of the Year,” read President Ruto’s message to Kipyegon.
Ruto also acknowledged Wanyonyi, Kiptum, and Cherotich’s win at the World Athletics Awards.
“Congratulations to the very deserving Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Faith Cherotich, the winners of the Rising Star in male and female track events - your promise is undeniable and we look forward to many victories in the seasons ahead. Soaring tribute to Kelvin Kiptum, world marathon record holder and now World Athlete of the Year for out-of-stadia events,” President Ruto added.
Kipyegon who attended the World Athletics Gala 2023 won the Athlete of the Year Award.
Kenyan long-distance runner and marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum won the World Athlete of the Year - Men’s Out of Stadia.
Faith Cherotich and Emmanuel Wanyonyi also made Kenyans proud after they swept the Rising Stars of the Year awards.
Wanyonyi, the world U20 800m champion, capped his season with silver from the 2023 World Championships and the Diamond League Trophy. He achieved all this at the age of 19.
Cherotich finished her season after bagging Kenya gold in the women's 3,000m steeplechase at the World Athletics U20 Championship in Cali, Colombia. She is 18.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also congratulated the four.
“To crown the year by being named the World Athlete of the Year- Women's Track Events confirms what a true jewel Faith is to our country.
“As the first Kenyan female athlete to win this accolade, tonight we heartily celebrate her inspirational achievement.
“Hearty congratulations also to Kelvin Kiptum for being named the World Athlete of the Year for Men's Out of Stadia events for setting a new World Marathon Record.
My plaudits also go to our rising stars Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Faith Cherotich, who have been named Male and Female Rising Stars, respectively,” Gachagua said in part.
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