Medalists to fly home in business class after Tokyo 2025 triumphs – Passaris
By Faith Lagat, September 19, 2025Kenya will fly all its medalists from the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo back home in business class, a move aimed at honouring the athletes’ achievements and setting a new standard for national recognition.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris announced the decision on X, highlighting the symbolic importance of the gesture.
“It’s a powerful message: excellence deserves elevation. Congratulations to NOCK – Olympics Kenya for executing this with precision. Kenya’s champions are not just returning home, they’re soaring back in style,” Passaris wrote.
Swift action
The decision follows public attention after marathon gold medalist Peres Jepchirchir was filmed returning in economy class on September 16, two days after her gold-medal marathon win in Tokyo on September 14, with a finishing time of 2:24:43.
The viral footage prompted immediate government intervention. Evans Achoki, Secretary for Administration at the State Department for Sports, confirmed the upgraded travel plans, stating, “The travel arrangements have been made, and we intend to fly all the medalists in business class so that they can be rewarded for their good performance, and we believe this will motivate them to work harder.” The arrangement will cover all medalists, including those still competing through September 21.
Kenya’s Tokyo 2025 success
Kenya’s performance in Tokyo has been impressive, with four gold medals and a bronze recorded by September 18. Beatrice Chebet, 25, secured the women’s 10,000m title in 30:37.61 and won her 5,000m heat in 14:45.59, beating Italy’s Nadia Battocletti.
Chebet expressed optimism about a possible podium sweep with teammates Faith Kipyegon and Agnes Ngetich in Saturday’s final, noting, “Having Faith motivates us all.” Faith Cherotich, 21, claimed gold in the 3,000m steeplechase with a championship record of 8:51.59, while Reynold Cheruiyot earned bronze in the 1,500m in 3:34.25.
National recognition
President William Ruto led national praise for the athletes, calling their achievements “a powerful reminder that with discipline, courage, and focus, greatness is within reach.”
Other officials, including Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, lauded the athletes’ resilience. Jepchirchir, reflecting on her marathon triumph, credited Chebet’s 10,000m success: “I am happy to bring the second gold medal home.”