Olympics and world champion Faith Kipyegon has once again added to her long list of athletic achievements after being recognised and awarded by the Academy of Achievement in New York.
Alongside fellow Olympian Beatrice Chebet, they were feted by President William Ruto during the Dinner of the Golden Plate Awards Ceremony at the Lincoln Center in New York on September 22.
In a statement, the President, who is in the USA to attend the UNGA conference, congratulated the two writing, “The extraordinary honour is a solid tribute to your hard work, talent and dedication to athletics. No doubt, it will inspire upcoming athletes and help shape our country’s sports.”
In the pictures accompanying the statement, Kipyegon and Chebet are seen bowing on the stage to receive the medals from the Kenyan president.
This new achievement adds to Kipyegon’s long list of achievements in the global athletics sector.
Just last week, the Bomet native won the 5th Diamond league in the 1500m race at the Brussels Diamond League barely a month after scooping 2 medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"My goal was to finish my Diamond League season in a good way and I did," She told the press after the race that took her only an astonishing 3:54:75 minutes.
Beatrice Chebet, also sprinted to victory in the 5000m and 10,000m races scooping 2 more gold medals for team Kenya in the 2024 Paris Olympics, leading her to qualify to be feted by the Academy of Achievement.
Faith Kipyegon has won many hearts of Kenyans since breaking the world record in 1500 Metres and ultimately breaking it again in July 2024 at the Diamond League in Paris.
During her first Olympics win at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kipyegon faced a rollercoaster of emotions as she was first disqualified in favor of Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay to win the Silver medal followed by the ultimate Kenyan appeal to regain her silver medal that became successful.
Explaining the events leading up to her early disqualification, Kipyegon said, "In a race, you have to concentrate a lot; I thank Beatrice Chebet, and Margaret Chelimo for the teamwork we had. Unfortunately, when I wanted to lead the race, the Ethiopian also started moving up."
Kipyegon, who has since become the ultimate Kenyan golden girl went on to break another Olympic record finishing her 1500m race in a record 3:51:29.
Kenya ultimately took home 11 medals leading the board for the African teams.
