Ruto congratulates Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet in New York

By Robert Mutasi 

President William Ruto has extended warm congratulations to Kenyan athletes Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet following their recognition by the Academy of Achievement.

The two athletes were feted during the prestigious Golden Plate Award ceremony at the Lincoln Centre Plaza, New York for their incredible feats in the tracks.

That further cements Kenya's position on the global sports calendar courtesy of Kipyegon and Chebet's great performances in their respective track events.

Faith Kipyegon is a world champion in middle-distance running events, having broken world records both in the 1500m and 5000m races.

Certain of her most recent records are going on to win both gold and silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making her one of the most decorated middle-distance runners ever to run.

Beatrice Chebet, made inroads in the long distance races, especially the 5000m event where she clinched gold at the Paris Olympics.

The President Ruto took to social media to praise on Monday, September 23, 2024 that their hard work coupled with great dedication made them shine.

"Congratulations, Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet, for being recognised and awarded by the Academy of Achievement: the rare honor sure is a tribute to hard work, talent, and dedication in athletics. Undoubtedly, it will inspire the upcoming generation of athletes and help mould the future of our country's sports," he said.

The President went on to underscore the feat by the athletes into wider significance and noted that such international recognitions promote Kenya's reputation in the sports world and engender a sense of national unity and pride.

Their induction into the Academy of Achievement, an organization that has been recognizing excellence since 1961, crowns their career and is just further illustration of how far their impact reaches beyond the track.

This is a sure recognition of your effort, talent, and sacrifice to athletics. Needless to say, it will also go a long way in shaping our country's sports while inspiring the lot of athletes who are upcoming.

For over the years, the Academy of Achievement has been known for connecting the best with young leaders; this induction of Kipyegon and Chebet adds a stamp to Kenya's sporting legacy, and doubtless its inspiration to future generations.