President William Ruto has honoured Faith Kipyegon with the status of the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H.)
Speaking during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations on Tuesday at Uhuru Gardens, Ruto said it is the highest honour Kenya gifts her children who excel.
"Today, I have conferred upon our world-beating athlete Faith Kipyegon the rank and status of the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H.), the highest honour our country awards its citizens who illuminate the path of excellence," Ruto said.
"She has earned her place at the very top, from running barefoot to breaking two world records within a year is the ultimate heroism. Faith’s journey is an inspiration to all our young and aspiring athletes."
The Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya award is given in recognition of outstanding or distinguished services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities.
Awards are issued by the president upon the advice of a National Honours and Awards Committee in the president's office.
This comes after several athletes were honoured at the World Athletics Awards held in Monte Carlo in Monaco, France, on Monday night.
Among them was Faith Kipyegon who flew Kenya's flag after she won the Athlete of the Year Award.
Kenyan long-distance runner and marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum won the World Athlete of the Year - Men’s Out of Stadia.
Faith Cherotich and Emmanuel Wanyonyi also made Kenyans proud after they swept the Rising Stars of the Year awards.
Reacting to their victories, Ruto described Faith Kipyegon's award as a fitting crown for the Queen of the track.
He termed it a worthy tribute to one the hardest working athletes alive today.
"The embodiment of excellence, versatility, fortitude, humility and purpose; an incredible human being, a true champion and a once in a lifetime talent. Congratulations Kipyegon Faith, the World Athlete of the Year," Ruto said.
In his message to Cherotich, Kiptum and Wanyonyi, Ruto said:
"Congratulations to the very deserving Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Faith Cherotich, the winners of the Rising Star in male and female track events - your promise is undeniable and we look forward to many victories in the seasons ahead. Soaring tribute to Kelvin Kiptum, world marathon record holder and now World Athlete of the Year for out-of-stadia events."
