Double World Champion Faith Kipyegon, who broke three world records this year, World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta's trainer, Douglas Wakiihuri are among 157 heroes and heroines feted during the 2023 Mashujaa Day celebrations.
During his speech at the Kericho Green Stadium on Friday, President William Ruto praised Kipyegon for breaking world records in the 1,500 and 5,000-metre races, becoming the first woman to win titles at both races in Budapest, Hungary, and Paris, France respectively.
She also set a mile world record at the Monaco Diamond League on July 21, 2023.
"Faith is celebrated for her dedication to sports. She is the current world record holder for 1500 metres and a former world record holder for 5000 metres. She won a gold medal in 1500 metres at both the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and 2020 Tokyo Olympics," he said.
Another athlete who was honoured for his achievements in sports is legendary marathoner Wakiihuri. Wakiihuri became the first Kenyan to win a gold medal in the 1990 Commonwealth Marathon.
He held the record for 17 years until 2007 when Luke Kibet became the second Kenyan to win a gold medal at the same event.
The legendary marathoner, upon retiring, has since ventured into helping the disadvantaged children in Kibera by training and mentoring them. He also trains key figures including Margaret Kenyatta during her morning runs.
Kiptum, the World Marathon record holder, was also recognised for his historic achievement during the Chicago marathon when he became the first athlete to run a marathon under two hours and one minute.
"He (Kiptum) has competed in and won three marathons so far, including two top-tier World Marathon Majors, securing between December 2022 and October 2023 three of the top six times ever run."
Other athletes feted include legend Naftali Temu, the first Kenyan to win a gold medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City and Johnstone Kipkoech who broke the world record in the 3,000 Metres steeple chase in 1994.
Aside from athletics, the president honoured Kenyans in 14 categories including National Cohesion and Integration, environmental conservation, indigenous knowledge, arts, entrepreneurship, statesmanship, professional research and liberation struggle.
Other categories include human rights, philanthropy, peace-making, cultural values and practices, and spiritual leadership.
