President William Ruto has defended Eliud Kipchoge’s legendary status after the marathoner failed to finish the race in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Kipvhoge, who was targeting a third consecutive Olympic medal, faltered in a race that was won by Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola, and Kenya’s Benson Kipruto won bronze.
To Ruto, the historical Berlin Marathon champion remains a legend even though he did not shine in Paris.
“Eliud Kipchoge is a great legend. People were disappointed that he did not finish the race, but we celebrate you; you are a great legend. Let’s criticise them less; they make sacrifices to make our flag be flown in capitals around the world,” Ruto said during the morning breakfast with the athletes at Eldoret State House Lounge on August 15, 2024.
Ceremony in Eldoret
As he urged the collaboration of different stakeholders in helping Kenya’s sports, Ruto explained why the breakfast ceremony was held in Eldoret.
“It is only fitting to celebrate our heroes in the city of champions, Eldoret, our newest city. It is from this very highland that many of our athletes have been natured elevating Eldoret to city status.
“We must scale up our deliberate collaboration with all stakeholders, such as the Sports Federation, to develop a sports policy framework that will address these gaps and progress our sports ecosystem to a place where we want it to be,” he said.
Although a number of Kenyan athletes did not perform as expected, Ruto said their sacrifice should not be condemned.
“Even in the midst of challenges, our athletes never lose sight of the finish line and will fight for glory to the tip. Sometimes we never understand the sacrifice made, the commitment that is put in place, and the determination,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, President Ruto awarded Olympic medalists with cash rewards following their successful outing at the global showpiece.
President Ruto awarded the athlete during a breakfast meeting held at the Eldoret State Lodge on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
According to the dummy cheques displayed during the awarding ceremony, each Paris Olympic Games gold medalist walked home with Ksh3 million for each medal, Ksh2 million for silver, and Ksh1 million for bronze medal.
Beatrice Chebet, who won two gold medals in 5000m and 10,000m, received a total of Ksh6 million.
Faith Kipyegon also received Ksh3 million for winning a gold medal in the 1500m race, the same as Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who dazzled the world by clinching gold in the 800m.
In total, Kipyegon received Ksh5 million, as Ksh2 million was reserved for athletes who bagged silver medals during the Olympic games.
