Triple Olympic Champion Faith Kipyegon has been nominated by the University of Eldoret for an Honorary Doctorate in Education.
In a short statement, the learning institution stated that it is seeking to recognise Kipyegon's outstanding contributions to Kenyan athletics and her inspiring story that has seen her level up to become a world-class track runner many of her peers respect and admire.
"The University of Eldoret has nominated Faith Kipyegon for the award of Honorary Doctorate in Education," the statement issued by the university read.
The Honorary Doctorate will be confirmed at the University's 13th Graduation Ceremony slated for November 21, 2024 in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
"Her most notable feat was becoming the first athlete to become a three-time Olympic champion as she won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 1,500 meters women's race," the University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Thomas Kimeli Cheruiyot said in a notice on Friday.
"During the 2023 season, Faith set World Records in the 1,500 meters category and the mile within 49 days. Faith has been nominated for the World Athlete of the Year 2024." the statement issued by the University read.
The gesture made by the University comes days after Kipyegon was nominated for the Female Track Athlete of the Year by the World Athletics. For her to emerge victorious, she is expected to garner the most votes. Kipyegon has since rallied her fans to vote for her with the voting window set to close on Sunday, October 27.
The award ceremony will be held on December 1, 2024, in Monaco.
Kipyegon enjoyed a seasonal best in 2024. The track queen enjoyed an unprecedented third Olympic medal in the 1,500 meters race category and set new records along the way.
She made history on August 10, 2024 during the Paris Olympics, after adding a third gold medal to her double record at the Paris Olympic Games. No other athlete, male or female, has ever achieved such a feat in the 1,500-meter race.
Since her first Olympic victory in Rio in 2016, Kipyegon has continued to shine on the world stage. In 2021, she confirmed her status as a 1,500m queen by winning gold in Tokyo. She made history again in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Kipyegon's success in the track has inspired the future generation to strive for excellence, to believe in their dreams, and to never give up, regardless of their difficulties.
