Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet, two of Kenya’s most accomplished athletes, have been honoured by the Academy of Achievement in New York.
The recognition took place during the prestigious Dinner of the Golden Plate Awards Ceremony at the Lincoln Center on September 22. President William Ruto, who was in the United States for the UNGA conference, presented the awards to both Olympians. In a statement, President Ruto praised the athletes, noting that this extraordinary honour serves as a testament to their hard work, talent, and dedication to athletics. He expressed hope that their achievement would inspire upcoming athletes and contribute to shaping Kenya’s sports landscape. Photos from the event captured Kipyegon and Chebet receiving their medals from the Kenyan president on stage.
This accolade adds to Kipyegon’s already impressive list of accomplishments in global athletics. Just a week prior, she secured victory in the 1500m race at the Brussels Diamond League, completing her fifth Diamond League win. This triumph came shortly after her outstanding performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she clinched two medals. Kipyegon’s remarkable time of 3:54.75 in the Brussels race further solidified her status as one of the world’s premier middle-distance runners. Beatrice Chebet also showcased her exceptional talent at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing gold medals in both the 5000m and 10,000m races.
Her stellar performance significantly contributed to Team Kenya’s success and led to her inclusion in the Academy of Achievement’s recognition. Kipyegon’s journey to athletic stardom has been marked by numerous achievements and challenges. In July 2024, she broke the world record in the 1500 meters at the Diamond League in Paris, captivating the hearts of many Kenyans. Her Olympic experience in Paris was particularly eventful, involving an initial disqualification followed by a successful appeal that reinstated her silver medal. Despite these obstacles, Kipyegon went on to break an Olympic record in the 1500m race with a time of 3:51.29.
The Dinner of the Golden Plate Awards Ceremony is a distinguished event that brings together accomplished individuals from various fields. Founded in 1961, the Academy of Achievement aims to inspire young people by recognizing exceptional individuals’ accomplishments. The ceremony at Lincoln Center was attended by luminaries from different sectors, celebrating excellence and dedication across diverse fields.
