President William Ruto conffers Faith Kipyegon with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart

Nairobi, 

Tuesday, 12 December, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

World record holder Faith Kipyegon has been conferred with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) by President William Ruto during the 60th Jamhuri celebrations at Uhuru Gardens today. 

The award the country’s highest honor for an individual which can only be awarded by a sitting Head of State to an outstanding citizen or statesman for a remarkable achievement. 

“Today, I have conferred upon our world-beating athlete Faith Kipyegon the rank and status of the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H.), the highest honor our country awards its citizens who illuminate the path of excellence,” Ruto said.

The award comes just hours after the 29-year-old won the World Athletics Award – the 2023 Women’s Athlete of the Year at an event held in Monte Carlo on Monday night. 

President Ruto termed her one of the most hardworking athletes on the planet.

“The embodiment of excellence, versatility, fortitude, humility, and purpose; an incredible human being, a true champion, and a once-in-a-lifetime talent. Congratulations Kipyegon Faith, the World Athlete of the Year,” Ruto said.

Kipyegon has had a marked a remarkable 2023 season, breaking the 1500m and 5000m world records – in one week – before storming to gold over both distances in the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

Kipyegon is the fourth Kenyan athlete to ever win the award after Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge won it twice in 2018 and 2019 under former President Uhuru kenyatta while David Rudisha, the current holder of the men’s 800m world record, won it in 2010.

The event also recognized the stunning achievements of other athletes including Kevin Kiptum, Ferdinand Omanyala, Mary Moraa, Faith Cherotich and Emmanuel Wanyonyi.