- The Kenyan government rewarded Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet Ksh 5,000,000 each for their world record breaking performances at the Prefontaine Classic 2025.
- Kipyegon and Chebet obliterated the 1500m and 5000m world records respectively in the event that was held in Eugene, United States.
- Kipyegon and Chebet are expected to be part of Kenya’s team for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025.
Just days after smashing world records at the Prefontaine Classic 2025, Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon received huge financial rewards from the Kenyan government.
Kipyegon and Chebet were each awarded Ksh 5,000,000 during a meeting that was hosted by the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya in Nairobi.
Besides Kipyegon and Chebet, the event was also attended by several other Kenyan runners who competed at the Prefontaine Classic including Faith Cherotich, Ishmael Kipkurui and Faith Cherotich.
ALSO READ: Beatrice Chebet celebrates Kipyegon’s historic 1500m world record
Monstrous performances from Kipyegon and Chebet at Prefontaine Classic 2025
Kipyegon lowered her 1500m world record at the Prefontaine Classic when she crossed the finishing line in an impressive time of 3:48.68.
Meanwhile, Chebet, who has described Kipyegon as a close friend and mentor, also entered her name into record books in the Diamond League meeting that took place on July 5.
The 25-year-old dominated the 5000m race that had the likes of Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay and Ngetich.
She went on to cross the finishing line at 13:58.06, breaking the previous world record of 14:00.21 that was set by Tsegay at the same event in 2023.
Speaking shortly after landing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Chebet stated that her attention will now shift to the Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025.
“I’m so happy because of how well they have received us, we really felt the love from the people.
I am so proud of myself for becoming the first woman to break the 14-minute barrier, and now my focus shifts to Tokyo. The World Championships won’t be easy, so I have to work extra hard to bring that gold home,” she stated.
Kipyegon and Chebet to spearhead Kenya’s charge at Tokyo World Athletics Championships
Kipyegon and Chebet will represent Kenya in the Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025 that will take place in September.
Although they have not confirmed it yet, Kipyegon and Chebet are expected to double in 1500m and 5000m and 5000m and 10000m respectively.
ALSO READ: How Faith Kipyegon knew she’d smash 1500m world record