Kenya’s Top Athletes Highlight Need for Better Training Facilities
Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet have voiced their concerns about the lack of quality and sufficient training facilities available to Kenyan athletes. Their comments came after they returned to Kenya following their record-breaking performances at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, where they achieved remarkable feats that captured global attention.
The two athletes are part of a long line of Kenyan stars who have trained in the Rift Valley, particularly around Eldoret. This region has been a hub for elite athletes, including marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge. However, despite the success of these athletes, the training infrastructure in the area remains underdeveloped.
Kipchoge Keino Stadium, a well-known venue for Kenyan track and field athletes, has been undergoing indefinite renovations for several years. This has raised questions about the support provided to athletes who rely on such facilities for their training and development.
Breaking Records on the Global Stage
At the 50th Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet made history by shattering world records. The event took place in front of a packed crowd at Hayward Field, marking a significant moment for both athletes.
Beatrice Chebet became the first woman to break the 14-minute barrier in the 5000m race, defeating the previous record holder, Gudaf Tsegay, in the final 200 meters. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing her dominance in the distance.
Meanwhile, Faith Kipyegon aimed to bounce back from her previous attempt to break the four-minute mile. On Saturday, she succeeded in lowering her own world record in the women’s 1500m by 0.36 seconds, bringing her time down to 3:48.68. This achievement marks her third world record in the 1500m, further solidifying her status as one of the greatest in the sport.
Together, Kipyegon and Chebet now hold a combined five world records. Chebet previously broke the 10,000m and 5km world records, while Kipyegon holds the mile record.
Concerns About Training Facilities
Upon their return to Kenya, Kipyegon and Chebet were welcomed as heroes at the airport before meeting with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya. In a press conference, they used the opportunity to address the lack of adequate training facilities.
Kipyegon highlighted the challenges she faced during her preparation for the Breaking4 attempt, which aimed to make her the first woman to run a sub-four-minute mile. She expressed disappointment that Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret was closed when she needed it most.
“I was disappointed that Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret was closed when I needed to train there ahead of Breaking4 mile in Paris. My request is to renovate the truck for the benefit of current and future athletes,” Kipyegon said through journalist Mitchelle Katami.
Chebet echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the struggles athletes face due to inadequate facilities. “We endure a lot in training, and as Kipyegon experienced, the facilities aren’t always up to standard. We are not asking for much, just adequate training facilities.”
Former world champion Milcah Chemos also shared her perspective, stating that athletes are struggling to find good facilities. “We don’t have those facilities in Kenya. You can imagine the struggle. They are training on the road, and then Kenyans expect them to perform well, and we have not supported them with facilities. There are no facilities, especially for middle and long-distance athletes. We should not demand a lot from them,” she said.
What’s Next for Kipyegon and Chebet?
After their recent achievements, Kipyegon and Chebet will focus on recovery before ramping up their preparations for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September.
Kipyegon is set to compete in the 3000m at the Diamond League in Silesia, Poland, on August 16. Meanwhile, Chebet, who won the 5000m and 10,000m Olympic gold medals at the Paris Olympics, is expected to participate in one or two races before heading to Tokyo.
Recognition and Rewards
In a related development, it was reported that the Kenyan government will award Kipyegon and Chebet millions for their record-breaking performances. Each athlete will receive KSh 5 million, adding to the tens of millions they have already earned from the Diamond League and their success at the Olympics in Paris.