Top 100 Most Influential Africans: Record Breakers Faith Kipyegon and Kelvin Kiptum Headline List

• Faith Kipyegon has been named among the Top 100 most influential Africans in 2023
• Her Kenyan compatriot Kelvin Kiptum also features in New Africa Magazine's list
• President of Kenya William Ruto also features in the top 100 most influential list

World record holder Faith Kipyegon and marathon record-breaker Kelvin Kiptum have secured spots in the prestigious list of the top 100 most influential Africans.

Also on the list are Kenya President William Ruto and other notable industry movers and shakers.

The widely read New African Magazine, a leading Pan-African publication, released the rankings on January 2, 2024.

Kipyegon's record-breaking journey began at the Diamond League Meeting in Florence, Italy, where she shattered the 1500m world record.

The double World Champion (1500m and 5000m) achieved another feat by breaking the 5000m world record in Paris, France, and later setting a new one-mile world record at the Meeting in Monaco.

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While Kipyegon's 5000m world record has been surpassed by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, who achieved the feat at the Diamond League Meeting final, the Prefontaine Classic, she secured double gold at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, becoming the first woman to claim both titles at the event.

“I have done good training so far, and I just came for it. The time, yes, was good because the race was well-planned. It just went smoothly, and to accomplish the world record, that is amazing,” Kipyegon is quoted on Reuters.

Kelvin Kiptum, on the other hand, had an extraordinary season, starting with the London Marathon, where he clocked the third-fastest time in history to emerge victorious.

The reigning London Marathon champion continued his impressive run at the Chicago Marathon, shattering Eliud Kipchoge’s world record time with a remarkable 2:00:35 finish, surpassing Kipchoge’s previous record of 2:01:09.

“I knew I was coming for a course record, but a world record. I am so happy. A world record was not on my mind today, but I knew I would be a world record-holder one day,” Kiptum told World Athletics.

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Other notable Kenyans featured on the list of the most influential Africans include James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Bank (in the business category), celebrity chef Ali Mandhry, filmmaker Wanuri Kaihiu, environmentalist Wanjira Mathai, and historian Chao Maina.

Osimhen among influential Africans

Sports Brief also reported on Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen being named among the 100 Most Influential Africans in 2023.

This follows the striker’s achievements on and off the football pitch for Napoli.

The 24-year-old forward was included in the list alongside music superstars Burna Boy and Tems, Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote.