•The 29-year-old mother of one has been on a roll, claiming three world records and two world titles in just 60 days.
•The bulk of Kenyan sportsmen and women train under the most difficult circumstances and it would be ridiculous to envision them clinching global titles.
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A successful and illustrious season has made Kenyan track sensation Faith Kipyegon the talk of the town.
The 29-year-old mother of one has been on a roll, claiming three world records and two world titles in just 60 days.
Kipyegon returned home on Monday night to a royal reception following her triumphs at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, where she won the 1500m and 5000m titles.
It is largely due to her sublime performance that Kenya finished fifth on the medal table with 10 medals (three gold, three silver and four bronze).
The only other gold medalist was Mary Moraa, who obliterated a rich field of competitors to win the two-lap race.
Kenya should take inspiration from Kipyegon's success story and study meticulously the factors that helped her reach such heights.
Her splendid show at the Budapest 2023 World Athletics shone beyond expectations. Psychologists strongly believe that rewards play a key role in shaping human character. They also believe that success is the outcome of both nature and nurture.
Without a doubt, Kipyegon boasts of immense talent judging from her meteoric rise in athletics. However, several other factors have helped hoist her to international fame and glory.
In addition to a best-in-class management team, she has a seasoned coach, Patrick Sang, brimming with experience. Kipyegon has always acknowledged the important role her husband, 2012 Olympic 800m bronze medallist Timothy Kiptum, has played in shaping her career by offering her relentless support.
Most recently, she received Sh5 million from President William Ruto after she broke the 1500m world record. The president also gifted her a house in one of the posh estates in Nairobi.
In light of the aforementioned, Kipyegon enjoys a conducive environment that enables her to achieve greatness.
The Kenyan sports scene is froth with dejected athletes who struggle to put food on the table, mostly because of delayed allowances and salaries.
For example, national boxing team head coach Benjamin Musa has always reiterated on the need for state-of-the-art facilities to leverage the performance of athletes.
The bulk of Kenyan sportsmen and women train under the most difficult circumstances and it would be ridiculous to envision them clinching global titles.
The reality is that the vast number of Kenyan athletes who compete effectively on the global front are known to train abroad.
It is not surprising that out of the 24 players called up by Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat for two upcoming international friendlies, only seven play in the local league.
Those who ply trade for foreign clubs enjoy better training facilities that steer them to the desired heights. The country needs to put adequate measures in place to establish a constant supply chain of world beaters.
This can be done by establishing effective youth development structures and acquiring cutting-edge facilities to bring out the best in the athletes.
The decision by the government to provide a handsome prize purse for athletes who shattered world records, as well as those who medal at international events, is a step in the right direction.
Most importantly, any salaries and allowances owed to the athletes must be paid in good time to forestall unnecessary distractions both on and off the field.