Denis Mwangi

Kenyan middle-distance star Faith Kipyegon added another impressive accolade to her already illustrious 2024 campaign, winning the inaugural women-only Athlos New York 1500m race

Kipyegon pulled off a time of 4:04.79 and taking home a record $60,000 prize purse.

Also instead of a traditional medal, Kipyegon took home a custom Tiffany crown, symbolic of her domination in the race.

Faith Kipyegon at the Athlos New York meet

Kipyegon, who turned 30 earlier this year, has been unstoppable on the track in 2024, winning her <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/sports/list-of-kenyan-athletes-who-won-medals-in-2024-olympics/pw3llwl">third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the 1500m in Paris</a> with a new Olympic record of 3:51.29.&nbsp;

She followed that up by becoming the first athlete to win a 1500m/5000m double at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

The Kenyan sensation has also rewritten the record books, breaking the women's 1500m world record with a time of 3:49.04 at the Diamond League meet in Paris in July.&nbsp;

She went on to win the Diamond League 1500m and 5000m titles in Zurich.

Kipyegon's victory at the Athlos New York, founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian to promote women's sports, capped off an unforgettable season that saw her win every major championship she entered.&nbsp;

Her $60,000 payday at the Athlos is the largest prize money she has ever received for a single race.

Born in 1994 in Bomet and raised in Chebara, Kipyegon discovered her passion for running at an early age, initially competing barefoot on school tracks.

Coming from an athletic family, she was inspired by her parents, both of whom were involved in athletics.

Kipyegon attended Chebara Primary School and later Winners Girls High School, which focuses on nurturing athletic talent.

She made her international debut at 16 during the 2010 World Cross Country Championships and quickly gained recognition by winning multiple gold medals in various championships.

Faith Kipyegon has had a remarkable career, accumulating numerous victories across various competitions.

Here’s a list of significant races she has won:

<ul><li>2016 Rio de Janeiro: Gold in the 1500m</li><li>2020 Tokyo: Gold in the 1500m</li><li>2024 Paris: Silver in the 5000m</li><li>2024 Paris: Gold in the 1500m</li></ul>

<ul><li>2015 Beijing: Silver in the 1500m</li><li>2017 London: Gold in the 1500m</li><li>2019 Doha: Silver in the 1500m</li><li>2022 Eugene: Gold in the 1500m</li><li>2023 Budapest: Gold in both the 1500m and 5000m</li></ul>

<ul><li>2019: Won multiple Diamond League races, including the final.</li><li>2021: Secured victories at several Diamond League events.</li><li>2022: Won all her Diamond League races, including a record-setting performance.</li><li>2023: Continued her dominance with wins at various Diamond League meets.</li></ul>

<ul><li>2023 Diamond League in Paris: Set a world record in the 1500m with a time of 3:49.11.</li><li>2023 Monaco Diamond League: Set a world record for the mile with a time of 4:07.64.</li></ul>

Apart from the prize money which is the highest she has received in her career, Faith Kipyegon also took home a custom Tiffany crown

Unstoppable Faith Kipyegon gets highest prize money after Athlos New York 1500m win

Amos Robi

<ul><li>Her achievements, including multiple gold medals at World Championships and Olympic games</li><li>Besides athletics, Kipyegon's balance of family life with her career has inspired many</li><li>She is married to fellow middle-distance runner Timothy Kitum and has a daughter named Alyn</li></ul>

Faith Kipyegon's story is one of remarkable resilience and unparalleled achievement in the world of middle-distance running.

Born in Bomet, Kenya, and raised in Chebara, Keringet, she discovered her passion for running at a young age, beginning her career barefoot on school tracks.

From these humble beginnings, Kipyegon has transcended into a global icon, rewriting records and making history on the track.

<h3>Background and early life </h3>

Faith Kipyegon was born in 1994 in Bomet, Kenya, and grew up in Chebara, Keringet, located in Nakuru County.

Coming from an athletic family, <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/local/rana-auto-motors-gifts-faith-kipyegons-father-a-car-in-eldoret/ecrpglw">her father Samuel Koech</a> was a 400m and 800m runner, and her mother Linah Koech was also involved in athletics.

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/sports/eliud-kipchoge-emotional-as-he-speaks-on-social-media-trolls-and-kelvin-kiptums-death/79begjk">Kipchoge emotional while talking about the dark side of social media</a>

Kipyegon discovered her passion for running early on and began her journey as a barefoot runner in school competitions.

Kipyegon attended Chebara Primary School and later joined Winners Girls High School in Kuresoi South, Nakuru County.

This school, established in 2012 by Dutch philanthropist Piet de Peut, was designed to nurture athletic talent. It has produced notable athletes like Mercy Chebwogen and Jackline Chepng'eno.

The school also excels in other disciplines such as hockey.

Faith Kipyegon made her international debut at the age of 16 at the World Cross Country Championships in 2010, held in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

She quickly made a name for herself by winning gold medals at the 2011 and 2013 World Cross Country Championships and the 2011 World Youth Championships and the 2012 World Junior Championships in the 1500m.

Kenya's Faith Kipyegon reacts after winning the 1500m Women event at the Wanda Diamond League athletics meeting at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco on August 10, 2022. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/local/sports-cs-ababu-namwamba-announces-kelvin-kiptum-and-faith-kipyegon-among-soya/fn1ghkp">Emotions run high as Kelvin Kiptum wins award posthumously</a>

Kipyegon’s senior career took off with significant achievements. She won a silver medal at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing and secured her first Olympic gold in the 1500m at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016.

She continued to dominate the middle-distance running scene, winning the World Championships in 2017 and again in 2022. In 2021, she claimed her second consecutive Olympic gold in Tokyo, setting a new Olympic record.

In 2023, Kipyegon set world records in both the 1500m and 5000m, becoming the first woman in history to hold both records simultaneously.

She continued to break barriers by further lowering her 1500m world record in 2024. On 7 July 2024, at the Meeting de Paris, Kipyegon broke her own 1500m world record.

EUGENE, OREGON - JULY 18: Faith Kipyegon of Team Kenya reacts after competing in the Women's 1500m Final on day four of the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 at Hayward Field on July 18, 2022 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images for World Athletics)

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/sports/kenya-to-host-afcon-2027-opening-and-closing-ceremonies/7x45mhz">Kenya scores another win in hosting AFCON 2027 with Uganda &amp; Tanzania</a>

With her recent win breaking her own record, the 30-year-old is on her way to setting another record at the Paris Olympics, which starts later in the month.

Faith Kipyegon is married to fellow middle-distance runner Timothy Kitum, the 2012 Olympic 800m bronze medallist.

President William Ruto meets Faith Kipyegon at State House, Nairobi on June 13, 2023

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/sports/kelvin-kiptums-biography-age-family-world-records-net-worth-height-weight-and-shoes/mfdmep6">Kelvin Kiptum's Biography: Age, family, world records, net worth, height, weight &amp; shoes</a>

The couple has a daughter named Alyn, born in June 2018. Balancing her career and family, Kipyegon remains a formidable force in athletics, inspiring many with her dedication and achievements.

Although Kipyegon has not disclosed her wealth to the public, she accumulated significant wealth thanks to the monetary rewards she receives from the races she wins.

In 2023 after breaking the world record she was <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/local/discrepancy-over-president-rutos-house-gift-to-faith-kipyegon-in-park-road-nairobi/hf4rjy6">awarded Sh5 million and a house worth Sh6 million </a>which is on top of the many rewards she had already received.

President William Ruto in 2023 honoured Faith Kipyegon with the status of the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H.).

Kipyegon rise from humble beginnings running barefoot on school tracks to become a global icon in middle-distance running who has broken four world records

Faith Kipyegon after successfully defending her World Championships title in Oregon

Faith Kipyegon's Biography: Net worth & alma mater known for athletic prowess

In a dramatic turn of events at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Kenya’s appeal has been successful, and Faith Kipyegon’s silver medal position in the women’s 5,000 meters race was reinstated.

The decision came after a review of the disqualification that had originally removed Kipyegon from the podium finish.

The controversy began when Kipyegon was disqualified following a scuffle with Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay Desta during the final laps of the race.

Initial footage and race officials’ rulings had led to Kipyegon being penalised for obstruction, which shifted the final standings and led to her removal from the silver medal position.

Following the disqualification, Kenya filed an appeal, arguing that the decision was unjust and did not accurately reflect what happened.

The appeal was based on a comprehensive review of race footage and detailed analysis of the incident.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has now ruled in favor of Kenya’s appeal, reinstating Kipyegon’s original finish.

As a result, the updated medal standings see Beatrice Chebet of Kenya retaining her gold medal, Faith Kipyegon officially awarded the silver, and Ethiopia’s Sifan Hassan receiving the bronze.

Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon during the 5,000 metres race in the 2024 Olympics

Italy’s Nadia Battocletti, who had initially been placed third, will now be credited with the fourth position.

The decision has been met with widespread relief and celebration across Kenya.

Fans and officials had expressed strong support for Kipyegon and voiced frustration over the initial disqualification.

<h3>Chebet challenges Kipyegon's lead metres to the finish line</h3>

The final moments of the 5,000m race showcased a battle between Chebet and Kipyegon.

The two athletes broke away from the pack during the final lap in a dramatic display of endurance and tactical prowess.

Kipyegon, a seasoned runner known for her tactical acumen, led the race for most of the last lap.

However, meters from the finish line, Chebet unleashed a powerful sprint, displaying remarkable speed and finishing strength.

Despite Kipyegon’s valiant effort to maintain her lead by channeling her inner resilience, Chebet surged past her in the final meters with a burst of acceleration.

Pulse Influencer Awards:&nbsp;<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/influencer-awards/pulse-influencer-awards-2024/n1rbe34">Nominate your favourite influencer for Pulse Influencer Awards 2024</a>

Faith Kipyegon's initial disqualification during in the Paris 2024 Olympics 5,000m race sparked uproar but Kenya successfully appealed

Faith Kipyegon and Gudaf Tsegay during the Paris 2024 Olympics 5,000 metres race

Faith Kipyegon’s medal reinstated after dramatic 5,000m race [Video]

Kenya led Africa with a total of 11 medals, including four gold, two silver, and five bronze, placing them 17th overall among more than 180 participating nations.

This marks an improvement from their performance in the Tokyo Olympics, where they ranked 19th with a total of 10 medals.

<h2>Highlights of Kenya's Achievements</h2>

Faith Kipyegon made history by winning the 1500 meters final, becoming the <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/sports/faith-kipyegon-biography-net-worth-world-records-family-education-and-daughter/1vdckgx">first athlete ever to secure three consecutive Olympic gold medals</a> in this event.

She finished with a new Olympic record time of 3:51.29 seconds, surpassing her competitors, including Australia's Jessica Hull and Georgia Bell from the UK, who took silver and bronze respectively.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi, at just 20 years old, won the 800 meters, becoming the youngest Olympic champion in this event's history.

His winning time of 1:41.19 places him among the fastest performers ever, further extending Kenya's dominance in middle-distance running

Beatrice Chebet's performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been nothing short of spectacular, as she claimed gold in the 5000 meters and the 10,000 meters.

Chebet made her Olympic debut in the women's 5000 meters, where she triumphed over a highly competitive field, including world champion Faith Kipyegon and defending Olympic champion Sifan Hassan.

Chebet finished the race with a time of 14:28.56, marking her first Olympic title and earning Kenya its first gold medal of the games.

&nbsp;Just four days after winning gold in the 5000 meters, Chebet achieved a remarkable victory in the 10,000m with a time of 30:43.25.

Chebet made history as the <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/sports/ruto-and-raila-celebrate-beatrice-chebets-sensational-win-and-history-at-paris/9ezkthd">first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the 10,000 meters</a>.

She also became only the third woman ever to win both the 5000m and 10,000m events at the Olympics, joining the ranks of Tirunesh Dibaba and Sifan Hassan.

Ronald Kwemoi delivered an impressive performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning the silver medal in the men's 5,000 meters event.

Kwemoi clocked a time of 13:54.06, finishing second behind Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who claimed gold with a time of 13:13.66.

The bronze medal went to Grant Fisher of the United States, who crossed the line in 13:15.13.

Benson Kipruto had a commendable performance in the men's marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing a bronze medal on August 10, 2024. He completed the challenging course with a time of 2:07:00.

Benson Kipruto during the 2024 Olympic Games in 2024

The marathon was particularly notable for the withdrawal of two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, who was unable to finish the race due to discomfort.

Abraham Kibiwot delivered a strong performance in the men's 3000m steeplechase at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing a bronze medal on August 7, 2024. He finished the race with a time of 8:06.47.

Mary Moraa secured a bronze medal in the women's 800 meters event at the 2024 Paris Olympics on August 5, 2024.

Mary Moraa during the 2024 Paris Olympics

Moraa, the reigning 800m world champion, clocked a time of 1:57.42 to finish third on the podium.

Hellen Obiri secured a bronze medal in the women’s marathon on August 11, 2024. She finished the race with a time of 2:23:10.

Hellen Obiri during the 2024 Paris Olympics

Despite facing significant challenges, including two falls during the race, Obiri managed to recover and maintain her position among the leaders.

Faith Cherotich had an impressive performance in the women's 3000m steeplechase at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she secured a bronze medal on August 6, 2024. Cherotich finished the race with a personal best time of 8:55.15.

Kenya emerged the best African country in the just concluded 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon during the 2024 Olympics in Paris

List of Kenyan athletes who won medals in 2024 Olympics

Charles Ouma

Kelvin Kiptum was posthumously crowned Kenya's finest athlete in the year 2023 at the 20th edition of the Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) Gala which went down at KICC in Nairobi on Friday, March 1.

Emotions ran high at the awards with Sports CS Ababu Namwamba pausing briefly and taking deep breaths before declaring Kiptum the winner of the men’s category.

"This is a difficult one. How I wish he was here to pick this accolade himself," CS Namwamba said as he battled with his emotions while announcing the sportman of the year at the gala.

Kiptum had an incredible year and was poised to alter the landscape in his area having shattered the world record at 24 years of age and in top form to rewrite history before death struck abruptly.

From conquering the London Marathon with a course record of 2:01:25 in April 2023, Kiptum was ready to conquer the world and a few months later in October, he made headlines by finishing the distance race in record time of 2:00:35.

The record which saw him shed off 34 seconds from the previous one held by Kipchoge was ratified by the World Athletics body and made him the first and only man to run a legal marathon in under two hours and one minute.

The award was picked by former world marathon record holder Patrick Makau on behalf of Kiptum’s family.

Track Queen Faith Kiyegon crowned for the third successive year

The women’s affair was a star-studded affair with world 5km world record holder Beatrice Chebet and world 800m champion Mary Moraa eyeing the crown that Faith Kipyegon was out to defend after a spectacular year.

Track queen Faith Kipyegon’s exploit which included breaking world record in her area saw her <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/local/ruto-celebrates-faith-kipyegons-new-record-praises-omanyala-wanyonyi-for-paris/121tr67">crowned the Sportswoman of the Year Award for the third successive year.</a>

2023 saw Kipyegon shatter the 1500m World Record previously held by Ethiopia's Genzebe Dibaba&nbsp;at the Wanda Diamond League 2023 in Italy on Friday evening June 2, 2023.

Faith Kipyegon poses with the screen as she sets a new world record and wins the women's 1500m final REUTERS/Remo Casilli

Faith Kipyegon poses with the screen as she sets a new world record and wins the women's 1500m final

Kipyegon completed the race in an astonishing 3 minutes and 49.11 seconds, an improvement of 0.96 seconds from Dibaba's previous record.

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/local/discrepancy-over-president-rutos-house-gift-to-faith-kipyegon-in-park-road-nairobi/hf4rjy6">Controversy surrounds Ruto's house gift to Faith Kipyegon</a>

She also shattered the 5,000m world record, with Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia breaking Kipyegon’s record a few days later.

Below is the list of winners in the various categories.

Sportsman of the Year

<ol><li>Kelvin Kiptum (Athletics)</li><li>Daniel Simu (Athletics)</li><li>Emmanuel Wanyonyi (Athletics)</li></ol>

&nbsp;Sportswoman of the Year

<ol><li>&nbsp;Faith Kipyegon (Athletics)</li><li>&nbsp;Beatrice Chebet (Athletics)</li><li>&nbsp;Mary Moraa (Athletics)</li></ol>

&nbsp;Sportsman Living With Disability

<ol><li>David Ngugi (Special Olympics-Cycling)</li><li>Kelvin Kipkogei (Deaf Athletics)</li><li>Titus Maundu (Para-Athletics)</li></ol>

&nbsp;Sportswoman With Disability

<ol><li>Asiya Sururu ( Para-Rowing)</li><li>Purity Kandie (Special Olympics, Athletics)</li><li>Nancy Chelagat (Para-Athletics)</li></ol>

&nbsp;Special Category (Men)

National special Olympics Handball team

Special category (Women)

National Special Olympics Beach Volleyball Team

Sports Team of the Year ( Men)

<ol><li>Kabras Sugar (Rugby)</li><li>Roll Ball National Team</li><li>National Under-18 Football Team</li></ol>

Sports team of the Year (Women)

<ol><li>3x3 National Basketball Team</li><li>National Volleyball Team</li><li>Roll Ball National Team</li></ol>

Coach of the Year

<ol><li>Ismael Kipkurui (Athletics)</li><li>Aldrine Kibet (Football)</li><li>Nathaniel Muchoki (Chess)</li></ol>

Most Promising (Girl)

<ol><li>Valerie Nekesa (Football)</li><li>Bianca Ngecu (Golf)</li><li>&nbsp;Nancy Cherop (Athletics)</li></ol>

School Coach of the Year

School Team of the Year (Boys')

<ol><li>Koyonzo (Rugby)</li><li>Namwela (Namwela)</li><li>St Anthony, Kitale (Football)</li></ol>

School Team of the Year (girls')

<ol><li>Kwathanze (Volleyball)</li><li>Nyamira&nbsp;(Hockey)</li><li>Butere Girls High School (Football)</li></ol>

Track queen Faith Kipyegon was also among the winners announced at the gala

File image of the late Kelvin Kiptum after setting a new Marathon World Record in Chicago

Emotions run high as Kelvin Kiptum wins award posthumously

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