CS Mvurya hails Kipyegon,Chebet as global icons
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 09.07.25. | 20:02
In recognition of their historic achievements, both Kipyegon and Chebet were awarded Ksh 5 million each
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has lauded Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet as transformative forces in athletics, saying their record-breaking performances have elevated Kenya’s stature on the global stage.
Describing them as national treasures, Mvurya praised their outstanding displays at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene over the weekend, noting that their past achievements have consistently showcased the country's rich athletic legacy.
“Faith, you are a living legend. By breaking the world record, you have cemented your legacy as the greatest female middle-distance runner ever,” Mvurya remarked in an interview with Athletics Kenya.
Turning his attention to Chebet, he said, “Beatrice, your historic run has reshaped the world of long-distance running. You have achieved what many thought was still years away.”
Both athletes stole the spotlight during the ninth leg of the Diamond League in Eugene. Kipyegon set a new world record in the women’s 1500m, clocking 3:48.68 to better her own previous record of 3:49.04 set in Paris last year.
Her feat came just weeks after narrowly missing the elusive sub-four-minute barrier in the mile, where she clocked 4:06.42 in another remarkable attempt in France.
Chebet, meanwhile, stunned the world by becoming the first woman ever to run the 5000m in under 14 minutes, registering a time of 13:58.06.
Her latest record follows her historic sub-29-minute run in the women’s 10,000 m, 28:54.14, achieved just over a year ago at the same competition.
Reflecting on their exploits, Mvurya said the duo’s legacy will resonate for generations to come.
“You have not only upheld Kenya’s legacy in long-distance running but also inspired a new generation of girls. You have shown that given the opportunity, girls can lead and redefine the sport,” he said.
The CS made the remarks at Talanta Plaza on Tuesday morning during a reception for Team Kenya’s Eugene contingent, which included the two record setters.
Both Kipyegon and Chebet expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and national recognition.
“I am overwhelmed with joy and deeply grateful to the government for organizing this celebration. We did not expect such a grand welcome,” said Kipyegon.
Chebet, on her part, expressed optimism about Kenya’s chances at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo this September.
“Faith encouraged me with Breaking4 and gave me the belief to push for sub-14. I believe with a strong team of Faith, Agnes Ngetich, and Margaret Ekidor, we can sweep the medals in the women’s 5000m in Tokyo,” she said.
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Athletics Kenya president Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, who also addressed the gathering, said the Prefontaine Classic doubled up as a qualifying event for the World Championships in the women’s 5000m and men’s 10,000m.
He added that the upcoming national trials, slated for July 22 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, will be tightly regulated.
“We will soon issue the selection criteria. Not everyone can just show up. Only those who meet the required standards will be invited,” Tuwei stated.
In recognition of their historic achievements, both Kipyegon and Chebet were awarded Ksh 5 million each in line with President William Ruto’s directive to reward athletes who break world records.
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