Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet Receive Heroic Welcomes After Breaking World Records
- Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet produced incredible performances at the Prefontaine Classic over the weekend
- Kipyegon smashed the 1500m for the third time while Chebet set a new mark in the women's 5000m
- A video shows the two athletes, joined by steeplechase star Faith Cherotich, being warmly welcomed upon their return from the USA
Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet have received a hero's welcome following their record-breaking performances at the Prefontaine Classic over the weekend in Eugene.
Source: Getty Images
Kipyegon obliterated the women's 1500m world record for the third time, while Chebet smashed the 5000m world record, becoming the first woman to run the distance in under 14 minutes.
The two Kenyan stars won three of Kenya's four gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
How did Beatrice Chebet break world record?
Chebet was the first on track at Hayward Field on July 5 for the 5000m, where she faced off against world record holder Gudaf Tsegay. Both athletes were neck-and-neck until the last 200m, when Chebet surged ahead, leaving Tsegay behind.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
The double Olympic champion clocked 13:58.06 to set a new mark and add it to the 10,000m world record she set at the same place in 2024. She is also the world record holder in the 5 kilometres on the road.
Agnes Jebet Ngetich finished third while Tsegay was second.
Source: Getty Images
How did Faith Kipyegon break 1500m world record?
Triple Olympic champion Kipyegon was coming off her historic Breaking4 mile record attempt. While she fell short, she set an unofficial world record.
Under the scorching sun in Oregon, Kipyegon produced another superb display. Like in Paris last year, Australia's Jessica Hull was the challenger.
Kipyegon took off in the latter stages of the four-lap race and never looked back. She lowered the record (3:48.68) for the third time.
"This is the time I was expecting when I was in Paris, I say that it's still possible to run under 3:49, and I'm just so grateful...This is the road to Tokyo and I would say I am in the right direction," Kipyegon said via Diamond League.
How were Kipyegon and Chebet received?
Family and friends of Kipyegon, Chebet, Ngetich, and steeplechase sensation Faith Cherotich gathered at the airport to give the trio a heartfelt welcome.
Kipyegon and Chebet couldn’t resist joining the dancing team, sharing in the joy with a lively dance of their own.
Kipyegon, Chebet, and Cherotich will be Kenya's main hopes for gold medals at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later this year.
How much will the government give Kipyegon, Chebet?
The duo later met Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, who announced that the world record breakers will be given five million each in line with the government's promise.
"On behalf of the government of Kenya, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to these remarkable athletes and the entire Kenyan contingent for their outstanding performances at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League in Eugene, United States," said the CS.
The former Kwale county governor also reiterated the government's commitment to ensure that athletes received world-class facilities and equipment ahead of the World Championships.
"I take this opportunity to reaffirm the government of Kenya’s unwavering commitment to supporting their continued success."
What next for Kipyegon and Chebet?
The two athletes will continue competing as they prepare for the World Athletics Championships slated for September in Tokyo.
Kipyegon is eyeing her fourth 1500m title, while Chebet is looking to win her first world title on the track.
The 31-year-old mile record holder will run in the 3000m at the Silesia Diamond League on August 16th. Chebet has yet to announce her next
How much did Kipyegon and Chebet earn?
In a related story, we reported on Kipyegon and Chebet's earnings at the Prefontaine Classic after breaking world records.
Winners pocket 10,000 USD (KSh 1.2 million) in the race and 30,000 USD (KSh 3.8 million) in the final.
Moreover, there is a 50,000 USD (KSh 6.4 million) bonus for breaking a world record at Diamond League events.
Martin Moses, head of Sports desk, contributed to this article by adding details about Sports CS meeting with Kipyegon and Chebet.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
