Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet Get Millions from Kenyan Government After World Records
- Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon are set to receive millions from the Kenyan government after record-breaking performances
- The two Kenyan stars broke world records in their respective distances at the 50th Prefontaine Classic
- Kipyegon smahed the 1500m record again, whuile Chebet set a new mark in the women's 5000ms
The Kenyan government has awarded Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet millions of shillings in recognition of their record-breaking performances at the Prefontaine Classic.
Source: Getty Images
Faith Kipyegon made more history by smashing the women's 1500m world record for the third time in Eugene on Saturday night in front of a packed crowd.
Before Kipyegon’s heroics, Chebet shattered the women’s 5000m world record, becoming the first woman in history to complete the distance in under 14 minutes.
It was a brilliant performance from the two Kenyan stars who won gold medals at the Paris Olympics last year.
How did Faith Kipyegon make history?
The triple Olympic champion arrived in Eugene after her Breaking4 mile attempt fell short in Paris on June 26. She was determined to break the record and prove she could still achieve it.
Source: Getty Images
She did reign supreme. Australia's Jessica Hull attempted to stop her but faded in the final stages as the Kenyan stormed to another 1500m world record.
She clocked 3:48.68 to shave 0.36 seconds off the record she set in Paris last year. It was the third time she broke the world record in the distance.
Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji finished second (3:51.44) ahead of Hull (3:52.67), who was third.
Is Beatrice Chebet Kenya's biggest star?
The 25-year-old clocked 13:58.06 to set a new women’s 5000m record. With 200m to go, she stunned record holder Gudaf Tsegay, securing a dominant victory.
Chebet now holds three world records: she set the 10,000m world record at the same venue in 2024, and in December 2024, she broke the 5km world record.
Now, she is aiming to win a world title for the first time at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
How much were Chebet and Kipyegon rewarded?
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya announced that the two will receive 5 million each for their feats this past weekend.
The two stars had won millions of shillings for their record-breaking performances. Now, they will be millions richer.
With more races to come this year, especially in Tokyo, Chebet and Kipyegon could potentially earn tens of millions of shillings.
"It was an honour to present Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet with KSh 5 million each, as earlier pledged by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports," he wrote X.
Why won't Faith Kipyegon's record be recognised?
In a related story, TUKO.co.ke reported that Kipyegon's mile world record won't be ratified by World Athletics.
The primary reason is that it was a staged race, not an official competition, so it doesn't meet the criteria for ratification.
Additionally, the use of pacers and unapproved shoes leads to the race's disqualification.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
