- Faith broke not just one world record, but three, and added two more world titles to her haul.
- She has lifted the Kenyan flag higher and higher even in moments when the country was at its lowest ebb.
Image: FILE
No one can deny that Faith Chepng'etich Kipyegon is an icon, a Kenyan heroine and a celebrated superstar.
This year alone, she has made one colourful exploit after the other, lifting the Kenyan flag higher and higher even in moments when the country was at its lowest ebb.
So when the Star called for nominations for the 2023 Person of the Year, the results were not surprising.
Kipyegon secured the highest votes, a record 228 nominations from the public out of the 2,123 nominations that were received.
The Star newspaper editors have the last word. However, this was an easy choice. The editors unanimously endorsed Kipyegon's nomination as the Star Person of the Year 2023.
Kipyegon ticked all the boxes according to the qualities that had been advertised by the Star.
The prestigious award recognises individuals who, among others, have greatly helped, inspired or brought honour to Kenya or strive to make Kenya a better place to live and work.
Other key qualities include a person who has invented a solution that has dramatically changed lives, a person of integrity or an individual who has stood against impunity, promoted good governance or anybody who has helped alleviate poverty.
Kipyegon brought honour to Kenya, thrusting the country into the global spotlight and becoming a big inspiration to the young and not so young.
Yes, all is possible, irrespective of background. Kipyegon started from a humble background, running barefoot and only her faith kept her going.
For starters, the 29-year-old broke not just one world record, but three, and added two more world titles to her haul.
After running 3:49.11 in Florence on June 2 to take almost a second off the previous world 1500m record, Kipyegon went on to break the world 5000m record and the world mile record before winning 1500m and 5000m gold medals at the World Athletics Championships Budapest.
Her national honour did not start yesterday. She is the 2016 and 2021 Olympic 1500m champion.
The conquest by Kipyegon and her compatriots has been a rare unifying force in Kenya. The country's political elite and the public at large have been in accord in their admiration and support for the Kenyan athletes.
President William Ruto once described Kipyegon as “an incredible human being, a true champion and a once in a lifetime talent”.
The President on Jamhuri Day awarded her with the highest state honour, Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH) for breaking two world records in a year.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga hailed Kipyegon for “putting Kenya firmly” on the map.
It's not just the Star that has recognised Kipyegon's achievements. Kipyegon has been named Female World Athlete of the Year. The ceremony was held in Monte Carlo, Monaco.