President Ruto Hosts Triumphant Tokyo 2025 Athletes at State House
The championships were replete with indelible performances. Beatrice Chebet achieved a record double as she won the 5,000m and 10,000m.
the nation's most recognized athletics face, thanked government, Athletics Kenya, and Tokyo Kenyan authorities. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Kenya’s athletics legends of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo were officially welcomed at State House, Nairobi, where President William Ruto received and rewarded them personally for their outstanding performance. The delegation collected a total of 11 medals — seven gold, two silver, and two bronze — once again cementing Kenya’s reputation as an athletics giant in the world.
President Ruto commended the athletes on their discipline, hard work, and consistency, noting that their victories transcend sport. He referred to them as “ambassadors of Kenya’s pride” and “role models for generations to come.”
You have shown the world that Kenya is not only blessed with talent but also with unity and resolve. You embody the spirit of this country. Your medals may bring happiness, but the triumphs are the virtues of discipline and resilience which inspire all of us,” he continued.
Kenya placed second overall to the United States, posting the third-best result in the nation’s World Championships history. The women’s squad dominated, sweeping distance events from the 800 meters to the marathon.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, a member of the delegation, recalled Kenya’s heart-stopping moments of victory in Japan. He cited Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet as the embodiment of Kenya’s strength, vowing that the government will continue to deepen investment in athletics to keep the country’s hold.
The championships were replete with indelible performances. Beatrice Chebet achieved a record double as she won the 5,000m and 10,000m. Faith Kipyegon added to her legacy as she won her fourth 1,500m title and took silver in the 5,000m. Lilian Odira shattered a 42-year-old World Championships record in the women’s 800m, and Peres Jepchirchir dominated the marathon. Faith Cherotich reclaimed the steeplechase crown in a record-setting fashion, while Emmanuel Wanyonyi earned Kenya’s lone men’s gold in the 800m.
Kipyegon, the nation’s most recognized athletics face, thanked government, Athletics Kenya, and Tokyo Kenyan authorities. In a witty remark, she challenged male athletes to catch up. “We girls won six gold medals and the men took one. Brothers, catch up,” she cracked, eliciting laughter from the audience.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (Correction: in your draft you had Kindiki; do you wish me to leave it as Kindiki or change?) emphasized sport as the unifying power, terming athletics Kenya’s greatest export product to the world.
“Sport remains the heartbeat of our national pride. Nothing places Kenya on the world map like athletics. It has brought us respect, dignity, and a strong reputation in the world,” he noted.
As the celebrations wrapped up, all focus immediately switched to what lies ahead — the 2027 World Championships, Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics, and finally the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, where Kenya will strive to maintain its winning culture.
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