Kenyan athletes who clinched medals at the just-concluded 2024 Paris Olympic games will reap big in a generous reward scheme seeking to inspire performance to new heights.
Beatrice Chebet, who made history as the first Kenyan woman to strike a double in the quadrennial global showpiece after storming to the 5000m and 10000m titles, is set to pocket a whopping Sh13 million from her exploits in the French capital.
This follows an unprecedented move by the World Athletics to set aside Sh6.5 million for gold medal winners in the field and track events.
World Athletics announced on April 10 that it will become the first international federation to award prize money at an Olympic Games.
The global governing body set aside a total prize pot of US$2.4 million from its revenue share allocation received from the International Olympic Committee.
Kenya's middle-distance sensation Faith Kipyegon will also be Sh11 million richer after blazing to a gold medal in the 1500m and a silver in the 5000m.
The newly crowned men's 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi will receive Sh8.5 million in total.
The men's 5000m silver medallist Ronald Kwemboi also hit a Sh2 million jackpot.
The gallant athletes who wrapped up third in their respective disciplines will earn one million shillings each.
They include Mary Moraa (800m), Faith Cherotich (3000m steeplechase), Abraham (3000m steeplechase), Hellen Obiri (marathon) and Benson Kipruto (marathon).
Meanwhile, the government confirmed it will award each gold medallist Sh3 million.
