Faith Kipyegon opens up about dubious statue supposedly erected in her honour in Eldoret

Triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has finally spoken out regarding the much-criticized statue in Eldoret City that was intended to honor her but instead drew widespread condemnation due to its poor craftsmanship. 

The statue, which was meant to celebrate Kipyegon's incredible achievements, became the subject of ridicule, prompting Uasin Gishu County officials to discreetly remove it at night.

After her dominant performance at the Rome Diamond League on Friday, August 30, where she triumphed in the 1500m with a time of 3:52.89, Kipyegon was asked about the statue. 

She responded with a mixture of humour and diplomacy, indicating her awareness of the controversy but choosing to remain lighthearted about the situation.

“Don’t even talk about that,” she said with a laugh. “You know, it is a little bit of fun and at the same time, it is what it is. I can’t comment on that. It is county things, and they will make it better,” Kipyegon remarked.

Her reaction, though tempered with humor, reflects her candid acknowledgment of the issue while also showing restraint, leaving the matter in the hands of the local authorities.

Beyond the statue controversy, Kipyegon expressed her gratitude for the warm reception the 2024 Paris Olympic Games team received from Kenyans. 

Reflecting on her historic achievement of winning three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 1500m, Kipyegon described it as an extraordinary moment in her career.

“I really thank God. To have managed to run in the Olympics and to win for the third time, that was special. It was really a special moment for me,” she shared.

Looking ahead, Kipyegon revealed that she aims to maintain her strong form until the end of the season, with plans to compete in the final Diamond League event in Brussels and potentially the last race of the season in New York.

“I really thank God to have stayed strong, and I hope to stay strong until the final Diamond League in Brussels and hopefully the last race in New York. So, I hope for the best,” Kipyegon added.

In New York, the world record holder is expected to face tough competition in the 1500m event, including Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay. 

The race will be part of the inaugural Athlos event, organized by Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, and is scheduled to take place on September 26 at Icahn Stadium. Other prominent athletes invited to the event include Gabby Thomas, Alexis Holmes, Jamaica’s Goule-Toppin, and Australia’s Torrie Lewis, among others.

Kipyegon’s focus now turns to these final challenges of the season, where she hopes to continue her remarkable run of success.