World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and two-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon were among Kenyans announced as winners at the World Athletics Awards 2023.
The two joined six other athletes as winners of the World Athlete of the Year 2023, 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.
After receiving his award, the former half marathon specialist noted, “I am extremely happy to have received the award.
It is an honor to bring the award home.”
Additionally, Kipyegon on her part acknowledged the athletics community for recognizing her performances.
“I hope my achievements motivate and inspire many girls to do the same. I would like to dedicate this award to all middle-distance runners,” she added.
On the other hand, Kenya marked its dominance in the athletics world as Faith Cherotich and Emmanuel Wanyonyi bagged the Rising Stars awards.
President William Ruto congratulated the athletes for their remarkable achievements.
“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.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also congratulated the winners in what he labelled as a phenomenal year.
While acknowledging Kiptum’s achievements, Murkomen noted, “Applause to Kelvin Kiptum, dominating in two marathons with extraordinary times earning him the Men’s Out of Stadia World Athlete of the Year title.”
World Athletics further announced Tigist Assefa, Mondo Duplantis, Noah Lyles and Yulimar Rojas as the other winners of the remaining World Athlete of the Year 2023 categories.
The athletics governing body noted that 2023 was a year that athletes around the world achieved a lot which saw an extraordinary 23 world records achieved.
Awards Divided
In turn, it became difficult for World Athletics to limit the final vote to just one athlete resulting to the division of the awards into three categories.
“It was incredibly hard to limit the vote to just one athlete, because of the various disciplines and the vast differences in skill sets required.
As a result, for 2023 the awards have been divided into three event categories that is; track, field and out of stadia,” announced World Athletics.
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Sebastian Coe, the World Athletics President further added that the outstanding performances and talent depth justified the expansion of the awards.
“Our World Athletes of the Year alone have achieved seven world records between them in 2023.
I congratulate our award winners and all of the athletes nominated for these honors,” he added.
Kiptum and Kipyegon Impressive Records
Notably, Kiptum and Kipyegon joined Ethiopian Assefa and pole vault champion Duplantis as the winners who set world records in their respective events in 2023.
Kiptum made headlines as he broke the World marathon record, running 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon in October.
In addition, the 24-year-old became the first athlete to break 2:01 in a record-eligible marathon in just his third marathon race.
The world marathon record holder and athlete of the year 2023 took 34 seconds off Eliud Kipchoge’s previous world record.
Having achieved the remarkable fete, Kiptum now has three of the seven fastest times in history to his name.
On the other hand, Faith Kipyegon also set world records at an incredible three distances in 2023.
First, the 29-year-old mother of one improved the world 1500m record to 3:49.11 in Florence, Italy in June.
Also Read: Dr. Eliud Kipchoge Cracks Up Guests at JKUAT with Storytelling Skills
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.
Cherotich and Wanyonyi
Also, the winners for the Rising Stars categories Faith Cherotich and Emmanuel Wanyonyi made their mark on the senior stage this year.
Cherotich is a World U20 gold medalist whereas Wanyonyi claimed silver in the 800m at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23.
Notably, both teenagers won medals at the Championships, Cherotich claiming bronze in the 3000m.
Wanyonyi became a Diamond League champion in 2023 adding to his remarkable 2021 world U20 gold medal.
Cherotich won the world U20 bronze in 2021 and gold in 2022.
Also, the youngster moved to second on the world U20 all-time list with 8:59.65 to finish third in the Diamond League Final in Eugene.
World Athletics Awards 2023 Winners
Track Events: Faith Kipyegon and Noah Lyles
Field Events: Yulimar Rojas and Mondo Duplantis
Out of Stadia Events: Tigist Asseffa and Kelvin Kiptum
Rising Stars: Faith Cherotich and Emmanuel Wanyonyi
World Athletics Photograph of the Year: Mattia Ozbot
World Athletics Fair Play Award: Letesenbet Gidey
