Ruto Praises Faith Kipyegon And Lilian Odira After Brilliant Diamond League Performances

President William Ruto has congratulated Faith Kipyegon and Lilian Odira for their outstanding performances at the Silesia Diamond League meeting in Poland.

Faith Kipyegon once again proved her world-class status by clocking 8:07.04 in the women’s 3000 metres — the second-fastest time ever recorded in history. She narrowly missed the world record of 8:06.11, set by China’s Junxia Wang in 1993, but her dominant run left her competitors far behind.

Kipyegon’s time also set a new African record, a Diamond League record, and is currently the fastest time in the world this year. Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw finished second in 8:34.53, while fellow Ethiopian Aleshign Baweke took third place in the same time.

Only Beatrice Chebet’s performance in Rabat (8:11.56) had previously come close to the world record, but Kipyegon has now moved into second place on the all-time list.

President Ruto hailed the runners, saying they had made Kenya proud and cemented the country’s status as a global athletics powerhouse.

“Congratulations, once again, to the incomparable Faith Kipyegon for conquering the women’s 3000m at the Silesia Diamond League in Poland. To deliver the second-fastest time in history, set a new African record, a Diamond League record, and the world lead — all in one race — is nothing short of extraordinary. You continue to redefine greatness and inspire a generation,” Ruto said.

The president also lauded Lilian Odira, who ran a new personal best in the women’s 800 metres to finish second. He applauded Beatrice Chebet for placing second in the women’s 1500m, and Timothy Cheruiyot for a strong second-place finish in the men’s race.

“You have once again flown our flag high, lifted our pride, and reaffirmed our place as a global sporting powerhouse,” Ruto said.