President William Ruto has defended Eliud Kipchoge’s legendary status following the marathoner’s failure to finish the race at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Kipchoge, who aimed for a third consecutive Olympic medal, struggled in a race ultimately won by Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola, while Kenya’s Benson Kipruto secured the bronze.
Ruto emphasized that Kipchoge, a historical Berlin Marathon champion, remains a legend despite not performing as expected in Paris.
“Eliud Kipchoge is a great legend. People were disappointed that he did not finish the race, but we celebrate you; you are a great legend. Let’s criticise them less; they make sacrifices to make our flag be flown in capitals around the world,” Ruto said during the morning breakfast with the athletes at Eldoret State House Lounge on August 15, 2024.
Ceremony in Eldoret
As he urged the collaboration of different stakeholders in helping Kenya’s sports, Ruto explained why the breakfast ceremony was held in Eldoret.
“It is only fitting to celebrate our heroes in the city of champions, Eldoret, our newest city. It is from this very highland that many of our athletes have been natured elevating Eldoret to city status.
“We must scale up our deliberate collaboration with all stakeholders, such as the Sports Federation, to develop a sports policy framework that will address these gaps and progress our sports ecosystem to a place where we want it to be,” he said.
Although a number of Kenyan athletes did not perform as expected, Ruto said their sacrifice should not be condemned.
“Even in the midst of challenges, our athletes never lose sight of the finish line and will fight for glory to the tip. Sometimes we never understand the sacrifice made, the commitment that is put in place, and the determination,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, President Ruto honored Olympic medalists with cash rewards for their achievements at the global event. The awards were presented during a breakfast meeting at the Eldoret State Lodge on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
According to the dummy cheques displayed at the ceremony, each gold medalist from the Paris Olympic Games received Ksh3 million, silver medalists received Ksh2 million, and bronze medalists were awarded Ksh1 million. Beatrice Chebet, who won two gold medals in the 5000m and 10,000m events, walked away with a total of Ksh6 million.
