NAIROBI, Kenya, July 8, 2025 – Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has described Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet as game changers who have redefined the sport of athletics across the globe.
Mvurya said the two are a national treasure of Kenya by virtue of their virtuoso performances at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene on Saturday — as well as in previous other competitions.
“Faith, you are a living legend; by shattering the world record you have cemented your storied legacy as the greatest female middle distance runner,” he said.
Mvurya added: “Beatrice, your historic run has redefined the landscape of long distance running. You have done something many thought was miles away.”
The two were the cream of the crop at the ninth leg of the Diamond League event, shattering the world record in their respective disciplines.
Kipyegon clocked a world record of 3:48.68 to win the women’s 1500m, going one better than her previous time of 3:49.04, set at last year’s Paris Diamond League on July 7.
The triple Olympic champion’s feat came less than a fortnight after she narrowly missed out on history in the French capital, clocking 4:06.42 in her attempt to become the first woman to run the mile in under four minutes.
On the other hand, Chebet became the first woman to run the women’s 5000m in under 14 minutes, timing a world record of 13:58.06 at the same competition.
It came just over a year after she had become the first ever female athlete to clock a sub-29 in the women’s 10,000m, running a world record of 28:54.14 at the same event.
Reflecting on their achievements thus far, Mvurya said the tremors of their success will be felt for many generations to come.
“You have not only honoured Kenya’s rich long distance running legacy but inspired many young girls. You have shown that girls, when given the opportunity, can not only participate but redefine the game,” he said.
The CS was speaking at his Talanta Plaza offices on Tuesday morning during a reception for the group of athletes who had competed in Eugene, including Kipyegon and Chebet.
Both Kipyegon and Chebet said they were humbled by the outpouring of support from all walks of life.
“I am extra happy and so grateful to the government for making this day a success. We were not expecting such a celebration like this when we get home,” Kipyegon said.
On the other hand, Chebet expressed confidence that Team Kenya can sweep all the medals in the women’s 5000m at September’s World Championships in Tokyo.
“Faith encouraged me a lot with the Breaking4 and gave me belief to go for the sub-14.
I believe with a team of Faith, Agnes (Ngetich) and Ekidor (Margaret), we can sweep the medals in the 5000m in Tokyo,” the double Olympic champion said.
Speaking at the same time, Athletics Kenya (AK) president Lt Gen (Rtd) Jack Tuwei informed the CS that the Prefontaine Classic was also a chance for them to select the team to represent Kenya in the women’s 5000m and the men’s 10,000m at the World Championships.
He said the event sets up a perfect launchpad for the upcoming national trials for the global event on July 22 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
“We will also be issuing the criteria for competing in the national trials because you cannot just come. There are some conditions you must meet and only those who have met them will be invited,” he said.
For all their ‘troubles’, Kipyegon and Chebet each received Ksh 5 million as per President William Ruto’s to athletes who smash the world record.
