Ruto Bestows Top Honor on Faith Kipyegon, Celebrates Elite Athletes
President William Ruto has conferred the top accolade of the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) upon athlete Faith Kipyegon.
Speaking to the Kenyan public at Uhuru Gardens during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations, the President highlighted that Kipyegon’s achievements served as a source of motivation for the younger generation.
“Our athletes continue to excel at various global events as is well exemplified by the shining performance in long-distance races.
“Today, I have conferred upon our world-beating athlete Faith Kipyegon the status of Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart, the highest honor our country awards its citizens who illuminate the path of excellence,” he stated.
“She has earned her place at the very top from running bare feet to breaking two world records within a year is the ultimate state of heroism,” he added.
The recognition arrives a short while following World Athletics’ announcement of Kipyegon as the top Female World Athlete of the Year in track disciplines.
In his address, Ruto pledged to honor five additional athletes, namely Ferdinand Omanyala, Mary Moraa, Kelvin Kiptum, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Faith Cherotich.
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Kipyegon earned both honors following her achievement of breaking two world records in the same week earlier this year.
Not long after being honored with the World Athletics Award, Ruto praised her as one of the most industrious athletes currently active.
“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,” celebrated the Head of State.
In June, soon after Kipyegon set new records at the Florence and Paris Diamond Leagues, Ruto offered a prize of Ksh5 million to any athlete who managed to break a world record.
At the time, Ruto also granted the athlete a house worth Ksh6 million.
“For every world record broken by a Kenyan, the government of Kenya is going to award Ksh5 million,” Ruto directed at the time.
Ruto Bestows Top Honor on Faith Kipyegon, Celebrates Elite Athletes
