Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana on Monday, July 24 promised to deliver a rare gift to Faith Kipyegon for her exceptional performance at the Monaco Diamond League on Friday, July 21.
Kipyegon clocked 4:07.64 to break the women’s mile record which was previously held by Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan.
Appearing on KTN News, Senator Mungatana said he is so amazed by the athlete who has made Kenya proud at the international level.
“The day I meet her, I will give her crocodile meat. I owe her one,” he said.
Further, the Senator, who is also known as the ‘crocodile eater’ urged parents to give their children names that speak hope into their future like ‘Faith’.
“I was talking to my friends back home and I was telling them it’s time we go to the Rift Valley and get married there.
Those who have not gotten married, we can also get some good runners you never know,” added the Senator.
Kipyegon’s Monaco Record
Kipyegon smashed the mile World Record by five seconds to set the third record in less than two months.
“I have done good training so far and I just came for it. The time yes, it was good because the race was well planned.
It just went smoothly and to accomplish the world record that is amazing,” Kipyegon stated.
Further, she said she is ready to defend her 1,500m at the World Athletic Championship Budapest which will be in Hungary from August 19.
Rewards For Diamond League Races
The two-time world and Olympic champion will receive at least $ 60,000 (Ksh.8.3 million) from the race in Monaco.
For breaking a World Record in Diamond League Races, an athlete gets a minimum bonus of $50,000 (Ksh6.9 million).
Moreover, there is a total of $25,000 (Ksh3.4 million) of which $10,000 (Ksh1.3 million) goes to the winner, $6,000 (Ksh832,800) to second place.
The third place earns $3,500 (Ksh485,800) and the rewards go up to eighth place, which fetches $500 (Ksh69,400).
Having won the Rabat Diamond League, Kipyegon will also be among the athletes who will share a $200,000 (Ksh27.7 million) prize at the end of the season.
“The $200,000 prize money pot is distributed to the ‘Most Consistent Athletes’ (those who deliver consistent high-level performances throughout the season),” reads part of the World Athletics’ Diamond League regulations.
“There will be 10 athletes in total that receive an award from this prize money pot, one male and one female respectively, in the following disciplines: sprints, hurdles, distance, jumps and throws.”
Faith Kipyegon Local Rewards
On July 2 and 9, Kipyegon broke the 1,500m and 5,000m world records, respectively.
President William Ruto awarded Kipyegon Ksh.5 million in cash and a house worth Ksh.6 million for breaking two world records.
“Our athletes give us much more fame compared to anything else. I ask immigration to consider offering the successful athletes’ diplomatic passports.
“To acknowledge her accomplishments, the government will grant Kipyegon a cash reward of Ksh5 million and a house valued at Sh6 million for breaking two world records,” said Ruto.
Further, Ruto said the government will award athletes Ksh.5 million for breaking a world record.
“Under this scheme, we are going to have a whole new package. I want to the Ministry to finalize the package of what kind of reward scheme is going to accompany our sports men and women and creatives; and I will be launching that scheme shortly so that they can know how the government of Kenya is going to stand with them when they shine,” said Ruto.
This, therefore, means that Kipyegon will receive an extra Ksh.5 million from the Kenyan government.
