Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the nation’s athletes following their impressive showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Murkomen’s assurance came as Team Kenya returned home with a total of 11 medals.
As he welcomed the first group of athletes back at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Murkomen expressed his delight at the athletes’ accomplishments.
The returning contingent included team captain Faith Kipyegon, double gold medalist Beatrice Chebet, and 800m runner Koitatoi Kidali.
“Delighted to join Kenyans from all walks of life to welcome back home our Team Kenya athletes at JKIA after their commendable performance in the 2024 Paris World Olympics. This was the first batch of athletes, which included team captain Faith Kipyegon, double gold medalist Beatrice Chebet, and 800m runner Koitatoi Kidali. As a country, we are proud that Team Kenya brings home a total of 11 Medals which include 4 Gold Medals, 2 Silver Medals and 5 Bronze Medals, placing us at the top of the African continent and position 17 globally,” Murkomen stated
The Sports CS was accompanied by top Ministry officials, including the Sports Permanent Secretary Peter Tum, and Sports Secretary Administration, Evans Achoki, at the celebratory event.
Early today, Murkomen welcomed the final group of athletes, including 800m gold medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi, marathon bronze medalist Benson Kipruto, and 5000m silver medalist Ronald Kwemoi. He emphasized the honour these athletes have brought to Kenya, reinforcing the nation’s standing as the best in Africa and 17th globally.
“We are thrilled to welcome home the final group of our Team Kenya athletes, led by 800m gold medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi, marathon bronze medalist Benson Kipruto, and 5000m silver medalist Ronald Kwemoi, who proudly represented us at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Our athletes have brought honour to our nation, earning us the distinction of being ranked the best in Africa and 17th globally, a truly remarkable feat. We also extend our deepest appreciation to all our athletes who competed valiantly, regardless of the outcome. Each one of them is a true hero,” he said.
Murkomen also announced that President William Ruto would host a grand reception at State House to honour the athletes’ achievements, with further recognition to follow.
List of Kenyan medalists
Kenya wrapped up at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a remarkable haul of 11 medals, leading the continent in the medal tally. The team’s success was highlighted by four gold medals, all in middle and long-distance running events.
Gold Medalists
Beatrice Chebet secured two golds in the women’s 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters, becoming the first Kenyan woman to win the 10,000 meters at the Olympics. She also set a world record in the 10,000 meters and joined an elite group of women who have achieved the 5,000m and 10,000m double.
Faith Kipyegon won her third consecutive Olympic gold in the 1,500 meters, setting a new Olympic record of 3:51.29.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi claimed gold in the men’s 800 meters with a personal best time of 1:41.19.
Silver Medalists
Faith Kipyegon added a silver in the women’s 5,000 meters after an appeal reinstated her finish.
Ronald Kwemoi earned silver in the men’s 5,000 meters.
Bronze Medalists
Faith Cherotich secured bronze in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase.
Abraham Kibiwott won bronze in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase.
Mary Moraa earned bronze in the women’s 800 meters.
Benson Kipruto took bronze in the men’s marathon.
Hellen Obiri claimed bronze in the women’s marathon.
