Aside from writing her name in bold on athletics history books by breaking records, Faith Kipyegon is also well on her way to becoming a multi-millionaire.
In 2023, Kipyegon secured Gold in numerous races, and the athletics organizations sponsoring these events have rewarded her with significant earnings.
In just four months, the 29-year-old broke both the 1500m and 5000m world records, a feat that typically takes athletes years of preparation and endurance practice.
A recent publication revealed that the double Olympic champion has bagged Sh. 26,900,500 between May and August 2023. This is inclusive of awards granted to her by the Kenyan government. When you include awards and the victories in Budapest, her total earnings close the Sh. 50 million mark.
Here is a complete breakdown of her income from track activities & government grants:
1. Doha Diamond League
During this event on May 5th, 2023, Kipyegon established a World Lead time of 3:58:57 in her 1500 meters race in Doha, Qatar.
Her performance earned her Sh. 1,445,000 ($10,000).
This was her first captivating performance before she went on to break several records within the year.
2. Florence Diamond League
In the 1500m race held on June 2nd, Kipyegon secured the top spot and broke the World Record by clocking 3:49:11.
She bagged another Sh. 1,445,000 ($10,000).
3. Paris Diamond League 2023
On back-to-back occasions, she broke another World Record in her 5,000 metres race. This earned her the title of ‘female GOAT of athletics’.
Kipyegon set a new record time of 14:05:20 at the Diamond League on Jun 9th, 2023. She was rewarded with Sh. 1,445,500 ($10,000).
4. President Ruto rewards Faith Kipyegon
Following her record-breaking performances in Florence (1500m) and Paris (5000m), President Ruto welcomed the athlete to the statehouse upon her return to Kenya.
He declared that athletes who brought honour to Kenya by breaking records in races would receive Sh. 5 million as part of his initiative to acknowledge and reward athletes.
“For every world record broken by a Kenyan, the government of Kenya is going to award Sh. 5 million,” the President said.
Kipyegon was also gifted a new 3-bedroomed house in Parklands, Nairobi, which was built under the Affordable Housing program. The house is worth Sh. 6 million.
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5. Monaco Diamond League 2023
At the Monaco Diamond League athletics event held on July 21st, Kipyegon established a new women’s mile world record, achieving a remarkable time of 4:07:64.
She edged the win by just 5 seconds, beating Sifan Hassan’s record set in 2019.
In recognition of her exceptional performance that amazed the world, she received a prize of Sh. 1,445,500 ($10,000).
6. World Athletic Championships – Budapest 2023
Kipyegon made Kenya proud by winning the 1500m race after clocking 3:54:87 on August 22, 2023.
She won Kenya its first gold in the 2023 World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
Through this achievement, she got herself Sh. 10,118,500 ($70,000) richer.
She followed this up with yet another win in the 5,000 metres race bagging another Sh. 10,118,500.
Upon returning to Kenya, Kipyegon was awarded Sh. 4 million for winning the two races by President Ruto.
