The late world record-holding marathoner Kelvin Kiptum and multi-world record holder Faith Kipyegon were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at the annual Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) held in Nairobi on Friday.
Together, the two luminaries exemplified the soaring potential of Kenyan athletics following their remarkable feats in the year under review
Kiptum, who tragically passed away in a car accident last month, was posthumously honoured amid a sober atmosphere at the event held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) .
In 2023, he set the marathon world record in Chicago, running 2:05:34 to beat the previous record by 34 seconds. He also won the 2023 London Marathon in a record 2:01:25. Kiptum was on track to break more records and train for the 2-hour marathon barrier before his early death.
Kiptum had hoped to break two hours at a marathon in Rotterdam in April and was also expected to make his Olympic debut in Paris this year in what could have been his first head-to-head match-up with Kipchoge. He and his coach Gervais Hakizimana, a 36-year-old Rwandan, were killed when the runner lost control of the vehicle he was driving.
Though his light dimmed far too soon, Kiptum’s brief but brilliant career was immortalized with the Sportsman recognition. The award punctuated his enduring legacy, despite his tragic passing in a car crash last year at just 24.
Blazing alongside Kiptum in the spotlight was Kipyegon, who at 29 has already carved her name as the queen of the track. Her trophy case from 2023 alone would be the envy of any athlete – world records in the 1500m, mile and 5000m and two golden prizes from the World Championships. Kipyegon also won two gold medals at the World Championships. Since becoming a mother in 2018, she has won more global titles than ever before.
The SOYA awards recognized Kiptum’s enduring legacy and Kipyegon’s barrier-breaking year. Their achievements showcase Kenyan athletes’ spirit of excellence and triumph over adversity.
