President William Ruto has conferred World Athlete of the Year 2023 Faith Kipyegon with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H) award.
Speaking during the 60th Jamhuri day celebrations on December 12 at the Uhuru Gardens, the head of state declared the conferment where he acknowledged her remarkable rise.
“Today, I have conferred upon our world-beating athlete Faith Kipyegon the rank and status of the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH),” said Ruto.
The head of state further added, “She has earned her place at the very top, from running barefoot to breaking two world records within a year is the ultimate heroism.
Additionally, President Ruto mentioned that the special recognition will be extended to World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala.
Special recognition
Notably, according to the head of state, the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH) award is the highest honor awarded to citizens.
It is part of the orders, medals and decorations of the republic awarded by the President to citizens who illuminate the path of excellence.
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Additionally, they are also awarded in recognition of distinguished or outstanding services rendered to the nation in various capacities.
In October 2019, former President Uhuru Kenyatta honored marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge with the same award.
Notably, President Kenyatta awarded Kipchoge barely two weeks after he made history in Vienna, running a marathon under two hours.
Kipyegon and Kiptum shine
Earlier, the President congratulated Kipyegon, Kiptum, Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Faith Cherotich after winning the World Athlete of the Year awards in Paris.
“Congratulations Faith Kipyegon, a fitting crown for the Queen of the track.
A worthy tribute to one of the hardest working athletes alive today and a once in a lifetime talent,” said the Head of state.
The two joined four other athletes as the winners of the prestigious global awards presented by World Athletics on December 11 in Monaco.
Notably, Kiptum bagged the ‘Out of Stadia Events’ category whereas Kipyegon took home the ‘Track Events’ category.
On the other hand, Kenya marked its dominance in the athletics world as Faith Cherotich and Emmanuel Wanyonyi bagged the Rising Stars awards.
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Faith Kipyegon had a remarkable year as she set world records at an incredible three distances in this year’s championships.
First, the 29-year-old mother of one improved the world 1500m record to 3:49.11 in Florence, Italy in June.
Notably, after breaking the record President Ruto offered a Ksh 5 million incentive and a Ksh 6 million house to Kipyegon at State House.
Additionally, she went on to break the 5000m world record just a week later clocking 14:05.20 in Paris.
Nevertheless, her third world record came in Monaco, where she smashed the previous mile mark by five seconds on July 21.
