Rigathi Gachagua’s Cryptic Post After Faith Kipyegon’s Breaking4 Race Elicits Reactions
- Rigathi Gachagua shared a lovely message after Faith Kipyegon's Breaking4 attempt on Thursday
- Some felt the former deputy president aimed a dig at his former boss, President William Ruto, after their fallout last year
- Kipyegon tried to become the first woman to run the mile under four minutes in a controlled race in Paris, but she fell short
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Kenya's former deputy president appeared to aim a dig at President William Ruto while congratulating Faith Kipyegon for her mile world record.
Source: Getty Images
How did Faith Kipyegon's Breaking4 go?
Kipyegon was aiming to write her name in history books with a sub-4-minute mile in Nike's Breaking4 project at the Stade Charléty in Paris.
The Kenyan star clocked 4:06.42 in a race in front of a lively crowd. She was supported by elite pacemakers for most of the race, but it seemed like a step too far.
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Still, she registered a world record in the women's mile. However, it doesn't qualify for an official world record; World Athletics won't ratify the mark.
Despite that, Kipyegon will be looking to make more history at the 2025 World Athletics Championships later this year.
“I tried,” the 31-year-old told Nike after the race. “I tried to be the first woman to run under four minutes. It’s only a matter of time before it happens – if not me, then maybe someone else. I will not lose hope; I will still go for it.”
Source: Getty Images
What did Rigathi Gachagua say about Faith Kipyegon?
The former deputy president shared a photo of Kipyegon holding the index finger up and smiling. The photo was from her 1500m world record in Paris in 2024.
Gachagua shared the photo with the caption: "Faith Kipyegon, we got you! That was a fantastic and swift run."
On Thursday, June 26, Faith Kipyegon attempted to become the first woman to run the mile under four minutes but failed. She clocked 4:06.42, which was a new world record in the distance.
Gachagua made sure to aim a dig at his former boss whom he fell out with and he was later ousted by the Senate in a historic impeachment.
The photo he shared elicited thousands of reactions from Kenyans who believed it was symbolic of 'Wantam', a phrase meaning 'one term'. Gachagua and Ruto's critics have used it to suggest that the president will be a one-term president.
How did fans react to Gachagua's post on Kipyegon?
@WilsonNgasike:
"Congratulations to Faith! But if mchokozi was a person, then it’s you cousin."
@AllanObare4:
"Hata Faith Kipyegon anasema ni wantam ☝️."
@imran_ke_
"Everything reminds me of wantam 🤣🤣."
@prinz_hunch0:
"Lazima ungetafuta ya wantam😅."
@Limpiastech:
"We unaleta siasa Kila mahali, but the agenda still ni wantam mkuu."
Faith Kipyegon reacts after Breaking4 attempt
Kipyegon was visibly exhausted after the race, but she quickly recollected herself to thank her pacemakers and the sizeable crowd that showed up at the stadium.
The three-time world champion in the women's 1500m cut a brave face, reiterating that it was only a matter of when, not if, until someone broke the four-minute barrier.
She later addressed the situation on social media with a moving message.
"I dared to try. Breaking4 was about showing the world that we have to push ourselves. This one was for all the young girls and women out there to show that you have to believe in yourself in everything you do.
"I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the support I’ve received. From my whole team at Nike, the pacemakers, the organisers, and fans from all around the world. It’s not if, it’s when."
Kipyegon will now regroup as she seeks to defend her 1500m and 5000m world titles in Tokyo later this year.
What did Faith Kipyegon's husband do?
At the same time, Faith Kipyegon was warmly embraced by her husband after her incredible mile attempt.
The four-time world champion failed to break the barrier, but a special person was waiting on the finish line.
Her husband, Timothy Kitum, received Kipyegon after a great effort in Paris.
Martin Moses, head of Sports desk, contributed to this article by adding details about Faith Kipyegon's reaction after the race.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
