Renowned two-time Olympic 1500m champion, Faith Kipyegon, is calling upon the Nakuru County Government to expedite the construction of the Keringet Sports Academy, emphasizing the need to prioritize the completion of the athletic track.
During a meeting at the Nakuru County headquarters on Friday, Kipyegon, the current 1500m world record holder from Keringet, Kuresoi South, shared her perspective with Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika. She underscored the significance of having a functional track at the facility to foster the development of budding athletes in the region.
“I really have one request for you, Madam Governor, and that is about the track in Keringet. I think for these young boys and girls to develop in their careers, we need a track. Even if we have the structure and it is not usable, then it will not help young athletes develop and nurture their talents,” expressed Kipyegon.
Governor Kihika, who had earlier inspected the high-altitude facility, assured that her government would allocate sufficient funds to complete the ongoing construction works, constituting an 8-lane running track, standard field event pitch, generator house, ancillary facilities, borehole drilling and equipping, and a frontage perimeter wall, among other amenities.
In a gesture of recognition for Kipyegon’s outstanding 2023 season, which included breaking three world records and securing two gold medals at the World Championships, Governor Kihika proposed naming the facility after the accomplished athlete.
She conveyed this request to the Nakuru County Assembly, emphasizing Kipyegon’s roots and significant contributions to the region.
“It would be my humble request to you (members of the County Assembly) to do whatever it takes and name the stadium after Faith because that is where she started, and that is why we want to have such a big stadium in this county,” remarked Governor Kihika.
Kipyegon’s exceptional achievements in 2023 garnered widespread recognition, earning her the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Additionally, she received the World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year award and was recently honored as the best Female African athlete of the year by the Confederation of African Athletics.
