Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has paid tribute to Irene Jepkemboi, praising her for becoming the first Kenyan woman to compete in the javelin throw at the World Athletics Championships.

In a message shared on her official X account dated Friday, September 19, 2025, Passaris said Jepkemboi’s participation was not only a personal milestone but also a groundbreaking moment for Kenyan athletics.

“Irene Jepkemboi etched her name in history as the first Kenyan woman to compete in the javelin throw at the World Championships in Tokyo,” she stated.

Passaris highlighted Jepkemboi’s performance in Tokyo, where she registered a throw of 56.55 metres, finishing 13th in Group A of the qualifiers. Although the distance was not enough to secure a place in the finals, Passaris underscored the symbolic importance of the achievement.

“With a formidable 56.55m throw in Tokyo, finishing 13th in Group A, she may have missed the final, but shattered ceilings and ignited a legacy,” she remarked.

Her comments place Jepkemboi’s participation within a broader context of pushing boundaries in sports where Kenya has traditionally not been dominant. For years, Kenya has been recognised as a global powerhouse in long-distance running, but Passaris noted that Jepkemboi’s achievement has opened new doors for women in other athletic disciplines.

The lawmaker’s recognition reflects growing appreciation for athletes venturing beyond the country’s track and field comfort zones. By competing on the world stage, Jepkemboi not only represented Kenya but also broke barriers for other women who aspire to challenge stereotypes in athletics.

Passaris’s remarks captured the sense of inspiration Jepkemboi’s journey has sparked among fans and sports leaders alike.

“She may have missed the final, but shattered ceilings and ignited a legacy,” Passaris reiterated, emphasising that Jepkemboi’s impact will be remembered beyond the statistics of the event.

At only 21 years old, she became the first Kenyan woman to ever compete in the discipline on the world stage, breaking barriers in a sport where the country has rarely made its mark.

Jepkemboi’s journey has not been without challenges. Known locally as a two-time national champion and an Africa U20 silver medalist, she has had to train and compete in a sport that often receives less attention and fewer resources compared to track events. Yet, her resilience and determination carried her all the way to Tokyo, where she wrote a new chapter in Kenya’s athletics history.

Her words come at a time when Kenya is working to diversify its presence across more sporting disciplines. Jepkemboi’s entry into the World Championships marks an important step toward that future, with her historic participation setting the foundation for more athletes to follow.