President William Ruto led Kenyans to congratulate Team Kenya after finishing top of Africa and fifth in the world at the end of the 2023 World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary on Sunday.
Led by Faith Kipyegon, who won a historic double in 1,500m and 5,000m races, Team Kenya managed a total of 10 medals; 3 Gold, 3 Silver, and 4 Bronze to surpass their performance during the last event held in Oregon last year.
On the final day on Sunday, Mary Moraa delivered a goal medal in the 800m after ending the dominance of American Athing Mu, world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech clinched silver in the women’s 3000m steeplechase and world U20 champion Faith Cherotich settled for bronze while Jacob Krop took bronze in the men’s 5000m.
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Ruto described Kenya’s performance as exceptional and outstanding. The Head of State said in a post on his social media pages: “Exceptional, outstanding, and vibrant performance by our athletes in the World Athletics Championships in Budapest for making Kenya number one in Africa and fifth overall,” adding: “We do not take your passion, hard work, and sacrifice for granted.
“Good contribution Beatrice Chepkoech and Faith Cherotich for bagging Silver and Bronze in the women’s 3000m steeplechase on the final day. Congratulations to Team Kenya for making us proud. We have the zeal, hunger, and potential to do better with proper tactics and guidance from our technicians.”
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba celebrated Kenya’s success in Budapest by saying: “Big shout to these super Kenyan girls,” adding: “Incredible run, Maria! Congratulations, Mary Moraa for your stunning golden run in the women’s 800, you have proudly hoisted our beautiful flag high, yet again.”
He added: “Hongera Beatrice Chepkoech for winning silver in 3000 m women’s steeplechase. And a giant cheers to teenager Faith Cherotich (19) for clinching bronze in this race. You are our assurance of the future. And big up to Jacob Krop for your bronze in 5000m.”
It was the United States of America, that topped the world with 29 medals; 12 Gold, 8 Silver, and 9 Bronze, Canada finished second with 6 medals; 4 Gold and 2 Bronze, Spain was third with 5 medals, 4 Gold, and 1 Bronze as Jamaica was placed fourth with12 medals; 3 Gold, 5 Silver, and 4 Bronze.
Other Kenyans who returned home with medals include Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who bagged Silver in the men’s 800m, Daniel Simiu silver in the 10000m, Beatrice Chebet with a bronze medal in the women’s 5000m, and Abraham Kibiwot in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase.