Kenyan athletes Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet have added another remarkable accolade to their illustrious careers by receiving the esteemed Golden Plate Award from the Academy of Achievement in the United States. The recognition, which came just days before Kipyegon’s final race of the season, marked a celebratory conclusion to their stellar performances throughout 2024.
The award ceremony, held at the Lincoln Center in New York, saw both Kipyegon and Chebet honored for their outstanding contributions to athletics, particularly for their gold medal triumphs at the 2024 Paris Olympics and their record-breaking feats at various global competitions. The Golden Plate Award, established in 1961, recognizes high achievers in diverse fields, including sports, science, and the arts.
Kenyan President William Ruto, who had received the same honor two weeks earlier, was present at the ceremony to personally congratulate the two athletes. “Congratulations Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet for being recognized and awarded by the Academy of Achievement. This extraordinary honor is a tribute to your hard work, talent, and dedication to athletics,” Ruto said. He also highlighted how the recognition would inspire the next generation of Kenyan athletes and continue to shape the country’s sporting landscape.
Faith Kipyegon has long dominated middle-distance running, and 2024 proved no exception. She clinched her third Olympic gold in the 1500m at the Paris Games, further cementing her status as one of the greatest runners of all time. Earlier in July, she shattered her own 1500m world record at the Paris Diamond League, showcasing her exceptional consistency and strength.
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Meanwhile, Beatrice Chebet’s rise to stardom in long-distance events reached new heights this season. In May, she stunned the athletics world by breaking the women’s 10,000m record at the Eugene Diamond League. Her dominance continued at the Paris Olympics, where she claimed gold in both the 5000m and 10,000m events.
The Golden Plate Award places Kipyegon and Chebet alongside legendary athletes like Olympic champion Allyson Felix, gymnast Simone Biles, and the late Sir Roger Bannister, the first man to run a mile in under four minutes. For both athletes, this recognition is a testament to their unwavering dedication and the lasting impact they’ve made on the global track and field stage.
As Kipyegon prepares for her final race of the year at the Athlos Meeting in New York, the honor of receiving the Golden Plate adds to the glowing legacy that both she and Chebet continue to build. Their achievements serve as a source of pride for Kenya and a reminder of the power of perseverance and excellence in sports.
