Three athletics coaches in Kericho County yesterday praised President William Ruto for announcing an attractive package for runners who shatter world records.

They said the president did commendable work for recognizing athletes who performed extremely well in various athletics events around the world saying the move will result in smashing more world records going forward. 

They were Paul Kemei of Lemotit Athletics Training camp, his Kalyet counterpart Bernard Rono and Marathon  Centre tactician Samwel Bii.

On Wednesday, the president feted world record holder Faith Kipyegon at State House, Nairobi for smashing two world records in a span of one week. The head of state rewarded Kipyegon with Sh5 million and a three-bedroom house worth Sh6 million. Ferdinand Wamanyala, a 100m race Africa hero was also feted where he pocketed Sh2 million from the state too.                                

The president announced that any athlete who breaks the world record in any event will get a prize of a million from the state, going forward. 

Yesterday the coaches thanked the president for the announcement saying it was the first-ever move by the government to demonstrate it has the welfare of sportsmen and women at heart.

“We welcome the President’s directive to reward athletes who performed extremely well various in athletics events. The move is geared toward motivating and encouraging athletes and sports federations to even do more on sports,” said Kemei.