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Faith Kipyegon’s star continues to shine after President William Ruto awarded her the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) during the Jamhuri Day celebration at Uhuru Gardens on December 12, 2023.

The award from the head of state comes just hours after she was named the women’s athlete of the year by World Athletics in Monaco. The award by the global athletics running body was historical for the middle-distance runner, as no Kenyan had won it before.

Ruto recognises Kipyegon

While delivering his speech during the 60th anniversary, Ruto confirmed the 29-year-old with the honour.

“Today, I have conferred upon our world-beating athlete Faith Kipyegon the rank and status of the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H.), the highest honour our country awards its citizens who illuminate the path of excellence. She has earned her place at the very top, from running barefoot to
breaking two world records within a year is the ultimate heroism. Faith’s journey is an inspiration to all our young and aspiring athletes,” Ruto said.

Kipyego has had a sensational season and broke world records, as well as winning two gold medals in the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Austria, in August.

Apart from setting world records in three distances, Kipyegon improved the world 1500m record to 3:49.11 during the Florence Diamond League series. She took almost a full second off the previous mark before upgrading the world record for 5000m when she timed 14:05.20 in Paris.

In Monaco, she broke the previous record when she ran in 4:07.64, and in the August World Championship, Kipyegon won her third senior world 1500m title and her first world 5000m crown.