On Thursday in Eldoret, a prominent location known for producing exceptional runners, a statue intended to honor Olympic icon Faith Kipyegon was met with widespread disdain and humor from Kenyans celebrating their Olympic champions.
The statue, a poorly crafted representation of a woman donned in attire featuring the Kenyan flag, was swiftly taken down following local backlash, as per various media sources, but only after its photos became an internet sensation.
It was predominantly identified as a portrayal of Kipyegon on social media, where many labeled it a massive insult to the celebrated Kenyan runner, referring to it as a “joke,” and some even suggested legal actions against the artist.
Faith Kipyegon etched her name in the history books at the Paris Olympics by being the inaugural female athlete to clinch three successive Olympic golds in the 1,500m, securing victory in a groundbreaking new Olympic record time of 3:51.29.
The 30-year-old athlete also earned a silver medal in the 5,000m following a controversial disqualification for an apparent shove on Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, a decision that was later reversed.
This statue was among several others erected in Eldoret to commemorate Olympic athletes, including one believed to depict marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge. Unfortunately, Kipchoge’s ambition for a remarkable third consecutive gold was thwarted when he had to stop running about 30 kilometers into the race during the Paris Olympics.
Amid the celebrations for Kenya’s Olympic heroes in Eldoret, President William Ruto is extending a warm reception to the nation’s returning Olympians.
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