Faith Kipyegon shows the Gold medals she won in the 1500m and 5000m races at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Hungary upon arrival in the country at JKIA on August 28, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Faith Kipyegon has been awarded Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations.

President William Ruto on December 12, while presiding over the celebrations awarded Kipyegon for exemplary performance in athletics.

"Today, I conferred upon our World beating athlete Faith Kipyegon the rank and status of the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH), the highest honor our country awards its citizen who illuminates the path of excellence," said President Ruto.

President William Ruto during Jamhuri Day celebrations.[Stafford Ondego,Standard]

President Ruto praised and commended Kipyegon for breaking three world records (she currently holds two world records) in a year terming it "an ultimate heroism"

He said that Kipyegon's victory is an inspiration to all young and upcoming athletes in the country.

In the latest awards, Kipyegon was named female athlete of the year in a track event at the 2023 World Athletics Awards held in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Kipyegon,29 completed a double at the World Athletic Championships in August just a month after she shuttered world records in the 1,500m,5,000m and one-mile races.

President Ruto also celebrated other athletes including Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala, marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, and world 300m steeplechase bronze medalist Faith Cherotich.