Kenyan President William Ruto has presented distance runner Faith Kipyegon with $35,000 and a key for a new $43,000 house in the capital Nairobi as an award for setting two world records in one week.
The athlete set a new world record in the 1,500 meters on June 2 at the Diamond League in Florence, running it in 3:49.11 and besting the mark Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia set in 2014 by almost a second (3:50.07).
A week later, she broke the world record in the 5,000 meters with a 14:05.20 run at the Diamond League in Paris. The previous best was held by Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey with 14:06.62, which she achieved in October 2020.
After receiving the award, the athlete said she would spend the money on a car for her father.
“When I left for Italy, I promised my father that I would buy him a car if I broke the world record. I did it and I am so happy,” said Kipyegon, adding that the award was "shocking and surprising."
During the ceremony, Ruto called the athlete a "shining example of consistency, discipline, hard work, and family," as well as, a "great Kenyan woman."
The head of state also announced that Kenya would recognize any athlete with a similar reward for breaking a world record in competition.
"In our new plan to appreciate our gifted achievers in sports and the creatives, a world record breaker will be rewarded 5 million Kenyan shillings [$35.000], and be considered for diplomatic passport and other national honors." Ruto said. "Our sportsmen and women brand Kenya globally. We will honor and reward them accordingly."
Commonwealth Games 100-meter champion Ferdinand Omanyala was also on hand to collect a reward of 2 million Kenyan shillings (around $14,000) for his achievement.