President William Ruto led Kenyans in celebrating Kenyan athletes who were honored at the World Athletics Awards on Monday night in Monte Carlo, France.Faith Kipyegon flew Kenya’s flag after being named Athlete of the Year.
Kelvin Kiptum, a Kenyan long-distance runner and marathon world record holder, was named World Athlete of the Year – Men’s Out of Stadia.
Faith Cherotich and Emmanuel Wanyonyi made Kenyans proud by winning the Rising Stars of the Year awards.
Reacting to their victories, President Ruto described Faith Kipyegon’s award as a fitting crown for the Queen of the track.
He termed it 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 Kipyegon Faith, the World Athlete of the Year,” Ruto said.
In his message to Cherotich,m Kiptum and Wanyonyi, Ruto said:
“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.”
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on his part said it has been a year of massive World Records for “our sterling star, Faith Kipyegon.”
He said Kipyegon showed what grit, hard work, persistence and determination can deliver.
