Kenya’s Olympic stars on Thursday told President William Ruto in Eldoret that competing for the country at the Paris Olympics was one of their toughest outings.
Team Kenya captain at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Faith Kipyegon told the country during a red carpet in honour of their feat France, that she almost gave up on chasing the gold medal.
Podium finishers at the Paris Olympics were rewarded at the event, with gold medalists walking home with Sh3 million each. Beatrice Chebet pocketed Sh6 million in total for her two victories in 5000m and 10,000m.
Silver and bronze medalists were awarded with Sh2 million and Sh1 million each, respectively.
Kipyegon, who brought home her third 1500m Olympic medal in a row, thanked the country for honouring her with the position of captain.
The 1500m Greatest of All Time said the Olympians were elated for heroic reception back home.
“The competition in Paris was tough. At some point I almost gave up on chasing the gold medal because it was getting difficult. I had started getting satisfied with the two gold medals won by Beatrice Chebet,” she told top government and federation officials.
She continued: “Thank you for the opportunity to lead the team (to Paris). It was my first time as a team captain.”
Kipyegon maintained that Kenyan charges gave their all at the Games and thanked the country for supporting the team.
The captain took the 1500m gold in a new Olympic record of 3:51.29 in a superb race. She bagged silver in a dramatic 5000m race after a shove with Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay.
“I was asked why they were not granted a reception like the one other countries were giving their medalists and I asked people to wait,” Kipyegon said.
She thanked AK and National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) for supporting the team.
“We thank the Sports CS for showing up to give us the support and motivation. We are grateful for the warm welcome,” the 1500m World Record holder said.
President William Ruto, who led the nation in welcoming the athletes said the country’s athletics was under threat from other countries that have mastered the Kenyan game.
Ruto promised to support the country’s journey to regain lost glory in races such as 3,000m steeplechase and talent development programmes aimed at nurturing athletes at the junior level.
He reminded Kenyans to celebrate the achievements of team Kenya at the Paris Olympics and other global championships.
“It is not always that you top the medal table in the African continent and finish in second position globally in athletics. Sometimes we judge ourselves harshly,” said President Ruto.
Ruto celebrated Eliud Kipchoge for being the country’s long distance racing legend despite not finishing at the Olympic marathon in Paris.
He said the Sports Fund should support talent development and establishment facilities.
“We need to diversify our sports disciplines so that we grow our medal tally in future championships,” Ruto added.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen were among dignitaries at the reception ceremony.
All teams including athletics and Rugby Sevens were represented at the reception in Eldoret.
AK President Jackson Tuwei showered the athletes with praises saying they overcame pressure from Kenyans who were yearning for medals from the first day of athletics action at the Paris showpiece.
“African continent won eight medals in athletics and four of the eight were won by Kenyans,” Tuwei said.
Tuwei saluted disciplined services including the police for recruiting and promoting the country’s athletics stars.
Chebet, the 5000m and 10000m gold medallist was on Wednesday promoted to the rank of corporal in the national Police Service.
NOC-K President Paul Tergat said the 2024 Paris Olympics squad “performed exceedingly well.”
Tergat said preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympics set for Dagar, Senegal had begun.