Beatrice Chebet and Abraham Kibiwott left Kenya for the Paris Olympic Games as constables in the police service but were promoted to the rank of Corporals upon their return. Chebet received her promotion from Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli at Jogoo House on Wednesday after winning gold in both the women’s 5000m and 10000m races.
Kibiwott, who secured a bronze medal in the men’s 3000m race, also received a star on his sleeve, elevating him to the Corporal rank.
It is customary for officers in the disciplined forces to be promoted one rank higher for their outstanding performances on the international stage.
Chebet, based in Kericho, expressed her joy, attributing her achievements to hard work and discipline. She promised to continue making Kenya proud, saying, “It feels good to be promoted, and I thank my boss Masengeli for recognizing my efforts. I also appreciate my colleagues, teammates, and family for supporting me.”
On August 6, Chebet triumphed over a competitive field to claim the 5000m gold with a time of 14:28.56, finishing ahead of compatriot Faith Kipyegon and Dutch legend Sifan Hassan.
The 24-year-old national police officer, coached by Peter Bii, made history by completing her double victory on August 9, winning the 10,000m race in 39:43.25, defeating Italy’s Nadia Batocletti and Sifan at the iconic Stade de France. Her remarkable performance places her among the legends of long-distance running, making her only the third woman to win both events at the same Olympics.
Meanwhile, Abraham Kibiwott, an Administration Police officer stationed at the APTC training school in Embakasi, also visited his boss for his promotion shortly after returning from Paris. Kibiwott, one of five Kenyan bronze medalists, finished with a time of 8:06.47, placing behind America’s Kenneth Rooks and Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali. The 28-year-old, who hails from Uasin Gishu County, has a personal best of 8:05.51 minutes.
He also claimed bronze in the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and the 2016 Durban, African Championships.
“I did my best, but I couldn’t get the desired gold. I will continue working towards it. I want to thank my boss for acknowledging my efforts, I am so happy to have climbed one rank higher,” said Kibiwott.
Both athletes proceeded to Eldoret the City of Champions where President William Ruto, hosted the Kenyan Olympics for a breakfast meeting.
President Ruto is expected to award the medalists with cash-winning bonuses.
Team Kenya finished at position 17 in Paris with 11 medals; 4 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals.
