Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hailed world record breaker Faith Kipyegon as an inspiration.

Gachagua was among the top dignitaries that welcomed Kipyegon in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

The athlete broke the women’s 1,500 metres world record at the Florence Diamond League in Italy on June 2. She proceeded to break the women’s 5,000 metres world record during the Paris Diamond League in France a week later.

Proud moment

While congratulating Kipyegon, the DP said the 29-year-old brought honour to the country.

“Champion Faith Kipyegon has done us proud after setting a world record of 14:05.20 in the 5,000 metres Diamond League in Paris, France.

“It was a proud moment as President William Ruto led the nation in celebrating her at State House, Nairobi. She has brought honour to our country for double consecutive wins: blasting the Diamond World Record, barely a week after shattering the 1,500 metres in Florence, Italy.

“An ambassador of our nation, Faith has branded Kenya as King – the home of world beaters in athletics,” Gachagua said via a statement on his Twitter handle.

Kipyegon, an inspiration

Branding Kipyegon as an inspiration to ‘hustlers,’ the former Mathira Member of Parliament reiterated that hard work pays.

“From her humble family and upbringing, she has shown that no win is too hard to attain, even for hustlers who are hard-working, focused, and resilient.

“Athletics, like other sports and creatives, is highly rewarding for those who give their all and remain resilient.

“Prudent investment after such wins by our sportsmen and women is key to a dignified life after active years in their careers,” he added.

Kenya’s fastest sprinter, Ferdinard Omanyala, was also at the event, and the DP also congratulated him for the achievements he has registered in the recent past.

“To Omanyala and the other athletes, congratulations for stamping our authority in athletics. You are all winners,” Gachagua concluded.

Kipyegon is a two-time back-to-back Olympic champion with the Games record and a two-time world champion; the 1994-born star is the only woman to win four global 1500 meters titles and only the second woman to claim consecutive Olympic titles in the event.

She won Olympic titles at the 2016 Rio Games and the 2020 Tokyo Games, and world titles at the 2017 and 2022 World Athletics Championships.

On the other hand, Omanyala has made his name in the short races and won his first international championships, with victories in the 100 metres at the Commonwealth Games and the African Championships in Athletics.

Omanyala is the African record holder and the ninth-fastest man of all time in the event after clocking a time of 9.77 seconds on Saturday, September 18, 2021, in Nairobi.

Meanwhile, the DP’s comments echoed President William Ruto’s promised commitment that the government will reward performing athletes.

Ruto’s promise

On his part, President William Ruto reiterated that the athletes should be rewarded accordingly, as they not only bring success to the country but are also great marketing ambassadors.

“Athletics and football are not just about entertainment or making us feel good.

“It must speak to the language of monetary gain for those who sacrifice, spend their time, and commit their resources, and I want to congratulate Faith for being an example of what discipline and consistency are.

“Our sportsmen and women brand Kenya worldwide more than any other branding that happens, and we want to honour them accordingly,” Ruto said.

Kenya is a known giant in the athletics world, as stars from the country have dominated world marathon events and the Olympic Games.

Although those stars have brought success to the nation, at times, the government has been called out for not taking care of them, especially when they retire.