“Team Kenya celebrates triumphant return from Paris, honored by President Ruto”

The triumphant squad from Kenya, after their impressive performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, received a warm welcome upon their return on Tuesday evening. The team’s arrival was led by Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who was accompanied by gold medalists Faith Kipyegon (1500m) and Beatrice Chebet (5000m and 10000m). Murkomen accoladed the team’s outstanding achievements at the Games and announced that President William Ruto is set to honor the athletes on Thursday morning.

Murkomen emphasized the future focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Games, underscoring the importance of diligent preparations to surpass their current medal tally. Kenya’s exceptional performance in Paris led them to secure 11 medals in total — including four gold, two silver, and five bronze — placing them at the forefront of the African continent and 17th on the global stage.

Faith Kipyegon expressed gratitude for the extensive support from the government, the Sports Ministry, and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), attributing this backing to their success. “Let me take this opportunity to say thank you to the Government, Sports Ministry, and NOC-K for the support and for that, we were able to perform.”

Continuing, she shared her primary ambition to defend her title in the 1500m, acknowledging the emotional toll from the 5000m event, and expressing appreciation for the encouragement from her coach and teammates. “My biggest goal was to defend my country over 1500m. It is still emotional for me [over what happened in 5000m] and I thank my coach and my teammates for talking to me. They told me you got this [to compete and challenge in the 1500],” she recounted.

Beatrice Chebet, returning as a double gold medalist, conveyed her joy and gratitude for the collective support that led to her victory. “I want to thank God because we have come a long way. This was my first time [to compete at the Olympics]… I’m so happy being a double gold medallist and being an Olympic champion. I want to thank the government, NOCK, AK, my family and everyone who supported me at Paris 2024,” she said, beaming with pride over her accomplishments.