Paris 2024 Olympic heroes led by Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet brought the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to a standstill after they were accorded a heroic welcome last night.
The history makers touched down alongside marathoners Peres Chepchirchir and Sharon Lokedi.
The team was ushered in by the government delegation comprising new sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen, PS Eng Peter Tum and NOC-K officials.
Kipyegon who brought the roof of the Stade de France, Paris to the ground after breaking her 1500m record in 3.51.29, says she was happy to have made history.
She says winning the 1500m treble was a bit traumatic, as the 5000m silver medal drama and disqualification took a toll on her, despite getting her silver medal back after appeal.
“Before heading to Paris, my biggest goal was defending my 1500m gold and making history. I thank God because I managed to grab the gold. I don’t know how I made it but I think the 5000m finals drama motivated me to break the record.” Said Kipyegon.
The Olympic and world record holder hasn’t lost a 1,500m race since 2021 and has won gold at the last four major championships.
Kipyegon who continues to scribe her name in the World Athletics Hall of Fame also holds five of the 10 fastest 1,500m times in history.
“It was a big motivation standing on the podium knowing I am the greatest 1500 m runner, and I believe my historic moment inspires upcoming young girls to became future world champions,” added Kipyegon
Kipyegon captained team Kenya to a 17th spot finish in Paris the City of Love with 11 medals, 4 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals.
Faith will continue her celebrations, relax a bit have time with her family, before returning to the tracks.
Meanwhile, Beatrice Chebet was elated to have achieved the 5,000m and 10,000m gold in her Olympics debut.
The 24-year-old produced a thrilling finish to cross the line in 14 minutes and 28.56 seconds ahead of compatriot Kipyegon and Dutch legend Sifan Hassan.
She completed her historic moment in style grabbing the 10,000m race in 39:43.25 beating Italy's Nadia Batocletti and Sifan in that order.
Chebet became the first Kenyan woman to win the Olympic 10,000m gold for Kenya since the race was introduced in the 1988 Olympics.
She is also the third woman after Tirunesh Dibaba and Sifan Hassan to win the 5000m and 10000m double at the Summer Games.
“Thank you so much for coming. this is my first time getting such a warm welcome. I am so happy being a debutant Olympian double gold medalist. It isn’t easy to win gold, and I would like to thank my family, coach, teammates and everyone who pushed me to victory,” said Chebet.
Chebet closed the year with a world record 5km road race in Barcelona, before retaining the World Cross Country in Serbia, on March 30, which motivated her towards the Paris Olympic double medal.
“Winning needs discipline, hard work and support from family. I would like to thank the government, NOCK, Athletics Kenya, family coach and everyone who supported me towards the Paris gold medal,” Concluded Chebet.
Meanwhile, the new sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen commended the athletes for the good job.
“Delighted to join Kenyans from all walks of life to welcome back home our Team Kenya athletes at JKIA after their commendable performance in the 2024 Paris World Olympics," said Murkomen on X.
President William Ruto will host a grand reception at Eldoret State Lodge on Thursday for the team in honour of their incredible achievements.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi who grabbed the 800m gold medalist, men’s 5000m Silver medalist Ronald Kwemoi, men’s marathon bronze medalist Benson Kipruto, and men’s 400m hurdle semifinalist Wiseman Were landed this morning.
The athletes will have little time to relax with the Lausanne, Switzerland Diamond League taking place on 22nd August 2024 followed by the Silesia Poland league on August 25, 2024.