World record holders Chebet and Kipyegon decry poor training facilities in Kenya

Kenyan women star athletes Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet have decried poor training facilities in the country, urging the government to address the issue.

The two proven world beaters, who arrived in the country from the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting in Oregon, USA on Monday evening, spoke yesterday morning during a meeting with Sports CS Salim Mvurya and PS Elijah Mwangi at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi.

Kipyegon won gold in the 1,500m with a world record time of 3:48:68, improving upon her previous record of 3:49:09 set at the Paris Diamond League last year. On the other hand, Chebet broke the world record in the women's 5,000m race, clocking 13:58.06.

“My preparations have been challenging, particularly regarding training locations. When I was training to become the first woman to run a sub-four-minute mile I went through a lot,'' explained an emotional Kipyegon.

“I'm grateful to the University of Eldoret and the School of Law training grounds in Eldoret for providing training opportunities. I was disappointed that Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret was closed when I needed to train there ahead of the Breaking4 mile in Paris.’’

The three-time Olympic 1,500 champion also explained that improved facilities would enhance the performance of Kenyan athletes.

‘’My request is to renovate the track, for the benefit of current and future athletes. I also thank the media for promoting Kenyan athletes globally; we wouldn't be where we are today without you.’’ Said the 31-year-old.

On June 26, Kipyegon ran in the Breaking4 project in Paris, attempting to be the first woman to run the mile in under four minutes. She fell way short with a 4:06:91 time.

Olympic 5,000 meters and 10,000 champion, Chebet echoed Kipyegon’s sentiments.

''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,’’ said Chebet who has been training in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

‘’The ministry is already heavily investing in high-altitude training venues like Kamariny, Kipchoge Keino, and Kapsabet Stadiums, as there are plans to install tartan tracks at the facilities. In Homabay, Raila Odinga, and Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, the stadiums’ training conditions are being enhanced,’’ Mvurya responded

CS Mvurya further clarified that Olympic packages for both Olympic and Paralympic awards have been reviewed, and a Sh70 million reward will be given in the coming weeks to previously unrewarded athletes.

The government gave the two athletes Sh5 million each for breaking world records.