Faith Kipyegon finally reacts to her alleged statue in Eldoret

Triple Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon has broken her silence after an uproar following a controversial statue allegedly erected in Eldoret in honour of her performance on the track.

On Thursday 15 August, the eve before Eldoret was conferred city status, photos started doing rounds online of a graven image of a female athlete mounted at a roundabout near a hospital.

It showed her in what one would assume to be a running pose and was donned in a vest with the image of the Kenya flag. The statue was depicted as clutching what appeared like a machete.

Kenyans on social media speculated that the statue was that of the 1,500m world record holder and three-time Olympic champion, and it sparked a conversation online. The statue was however pulled down after widespread public criticism.

Speaking after winning the Pietro Mennea Golden Gala Diamond League meeting in Rome on Friday 30 August, Kipyegon gracefully sidestepped the question, letting her smile and laughter speak for her.

“(Laughing) Do not even talk about that. It was fun, but it is what it is. I cannot comment on that, it is a county thing and I hope they will make it better,” she offered amidst the laughter.

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The 30-year-old eased to a comfortable 1,500m victory at the Rome Diamond League, brushing aside Australia’s Jessica Hull in the final bend, to sprint home for a 3:52.89 finish. That was her second Diamond League race this year.

This was also her first competition since winning a historic third 1500m title at the Paris Olympic Games, where she also took silver in the 5,000m event.

The Olympians returned home to a colourful celebration hosted by President William Ruto. The celebration also coincided with Eldoret’s conferment of city status and it was a joy to behold.

Kipyegon noted that they had to get over the great performance in Paris and prepare well for the upcoming competitions.

“It was a nice celebration going back home and being celebrated by the state after good results at the Olympics. But we had to keep in mind that we have a long season ahead of us,” she averred.

The Rome Golden Gala further marked Kipyegon’s return to the meeting where she set her first world 1500m record, though this year’s edition returned to its traditional home in Rome as opposed to Florence.

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She was optimistic that she would keep the fine form going to the final Diamond League meeting.

“I thank God I managed to win gold for the third time during the Olympics. Making history as the first person to win three consecutive Olympic (1500m) gold medals was very special. It was a very beautiful race. I thank God for the ability to stay strong and I hope to keep the fine form going until the last Diamond League,” she disclosed.

The Wanda Diamond League is the premier one-day meeting series in athletics and comprises 15 of the most prestigious events in global track and field.

Athletes compete for points at the 14 series meetings in a bid to qualify for the two-day Wanda Diamond League Final in Brussels on Friday 13 to Saturday 14 September.