Image: Courtesy
Athlete Faith Kipyegon has been recognized by telecom company Safaricom for shattering two world records in a single week. The firm will give Kipyegon Sh2 million.
The prize is a component of Safaricom's assistance to athletes that promote the nation on a global scale.
The athlete was praised by Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa for her outstanding performance and for putting Kenya on the map of the world.
“At Safaricom, we are committed to supporting talents. We appreciate and feel proud of what Faith has achieved and for her stellar performance, breaking two world records in one week. I believe this will help motivate many more talents in the country,” Ndegwa said.
The two-time Olympic champion set new world records in the 1500m and 5000m events with times of 3:49.11 and 14:05.20 at the Florence Diamond League and Paris Diamond League, respectively.
Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia held the title after setting the world record for the 5000 meters in 2015 with a time of 3:50.07.
With this prize, Kipyegon has now received at least Sh13 million in rewards. After giving her a residence in Nairobi for Sh6 million and an additional Sh5 million in cash, the government did this.
The rewards from the state each represented a record she broke.
"She has won and broken two world records in 1500 meters in Florence Italy and 5000 in Paris, France," President William Ruto said.
"The government is going to award her Sh5 million for one record and we are going to give her a house worth Sh6 million for the other record."
The President said it will be the same for all the other world record breakers that will come after Faith Kipyegon.
