Double Olympic champion and women's 1,500m world record holder Faith Kipyegon was on Tuesday conferred with the highest state honour, Elder of the Golden Heart, by President Ruto.

President Ruto made the announcement during the 60th anniversary of the Jamhuri Day celebrations which took place at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.

Kipyegon has a stormy campaign in the 2023 calendar year, setting world records in not just 1,500m, but 5,000m and one mile too. She broke the 1,500m world record in Florence on June 2 when she clocked 3:49:11 breaking Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba’s record of 3:50:07 before breaking 5000m world record by clocking 14:05:20 in Paris Diamond league, barely eight days after shattering the 1500m record.

While announcing the recognition, President William Ruto hailed Kipyegon’s prowess in the track.

This comes on the backdrop of Kipyegon being crowned the Female World Athlete of the Year on track, last night in Monaco, France, after a scintillating season that saw her break three world records - 1,500m, 5000m and one mile.

“Today I have conferred upon our world beating athlete Faith Kipyegon the ranked status of the Elder of Golden Heart, the highest honour the country awards its citizens who illuminate the path of excellence.”

“She has earned her place at the very top from running bare feet to breaking two world records within a year is the ultimate stage of heroism,” noted Ruto.

The 800m world champion Mary Moraa, 100m African Champion Ferdinand Omanyala, World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and World’s crowned rising stars Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Faith Cherotich will also be feted, Ruto said.

 Kelvin Kiptum brought the world to a standstill in October, when he shattered the world marathon record in Chicago, running for two hours and 35 seconds, eclipsing the previous record held by Eliup Kipchoge.