Jamhuri Day: Olympic Gold Medalists Faith Kipyegon, Peres Jepchirchir Feted with Prestigious Awards

• The recognition of the two athletes came after their outstanding performances at the Tokyo Olympics
• Faith Kipyegon won gold during the Summer Games in the 1,500m, with Peres Jepchirchir emerging victor in the women's marathon
• Both were awarded the Order of Grand Warrior award during the 58th celebrations of Jamhuri Day

Tokyo Olympic 2020 gold medalists Faith Chepng'etich Kipyegon and Peres Jepchirchir have been feted with the Order of Grand Warrior (OGW) by President Uhuru Kenya.

The two athletes were among several Kenyans who were recognised during the 58th celebrations of Jamhuri Day on Sunday, December 12, at Uhuru Gardens.

They were awarded the prestigious award months after their outstanding performances during the 2020 edition of the Olympics in Japan.

The duo conquered their respective disciplines, with Kipyegon winning gold in the 1,500m.

The 27-year-old middle-distance runner set a new record on course to victory as she successfully defended her title.

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On her part, Jepchirchir led a Kenyan one-two finish in the women’s marathon during the Summer Games, ahead of world record holder Brigid Kosgei to win gold.

The two-time half-marathon champion crossed the line in two hours, 27 minutes and 20 seconds, in what was her season’s best time, to finish a physically exhausting race in a hot and humid Sapporo.

The feting of Jepchirchir and Kipyegon during the Jamhuri Day celebrations crowned what was a fantastic year for both athletes.

The Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W) award is presented to Kenyans in recognition of their outstanding services rendered to the country in different responsibilities and capacities.

Faith Kipyegon nominated for prestigious BBC award

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported Olympic 1500m women’s champion Faith Kipyegon will battle it out with her Kenyan counterpart Eliud Kipchoge for the BBC African Sports Personality of the Year award.

The two Kenyans are among six contenders who have been nominated for the prestigious award, with nominees being selected by a panel of journalists from Africa and the UK.

Among the criteria used to select the nominees includes the athlete’s achievements on the international stage between January and September.