Faith Kipyegon is once again at the centre of Kenya’s sporting spotlight as she heads into the 2024 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) gala. The event is set to take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre later today. The triple Olympic champion is among the favourites for the Sportswoman of the Year award, following a season where she made history by winning her third consecutive Olympic gold in the women’s 1500m and adding a silver medal in her debut 5000m event at the Paris Games.  Faith Kipyegon achievements have inspired many and set new standards for excellence in athletics.

Beatrice Chebet, another outstanding nominee, is coming off a breakthrough year. She clinched double gold in the 5000m and 10,000m at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Kenyan woman to win Olympic gold in the 10,000m. Chebet also broke the 10,000m world record at the Prefontaine Classic, clocking an unprecedented 28:54.14, and became the first woman to run under 29 minutes in the event. Chebet`s dominance across multiple distances has made her a leading contender for tonight’s top honour.

Faith Kipyegon’s presence at the SOYA Awards highlights a year defined by the remarkable achievements of Kenyan women in sports. The event’s theme, “Celebrating Women’s Excellence in Sports,” reflects the extraordinary performances by athletes like Kipyegon and Chebet in 2024.

 Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the Olympic 800m champion, is also in contention for the Sportsman of the Year award, underscoring the depth of Kenya’s athletic talent.

Faith Kipyegon, Betrice Chebet, Emanuel Wanyonyi Career Overview

Faith Kipyegon is a Kenyan middle-distance legend, winning three consecutive Olympic golds in the 1500m (2016, 2020, 2024). She holds the world record in the 1500m (3:49.04) and the mile. Kipyegon began running barefoot as a school girl and quickly rose to global prominence.

Meanwhile, Beatrice Chebet is a rising star in long-distance running. She won double Olympic gold in the 5000m and 10,000m at Paris 2024 and broke the 10,000m world record with a time under 29 minutes, a historic milestone for women’s athletics.

On the other hand, Emmanuel Wanyonyi excels in the 800m, winning Olympic gold in Paris 2024. Known for his speed and tactical racing, he has quickly become one of Kenya’s top middle-distance runners. The nation now eagerly awaits to see which stars will be crowned, capping off a historic year for Kenyan athletics.

 

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