By Robert Kibet
“I was once that little girl. It wasn’t easy to get to where I am without support. That’s why I believe these children need help, need mentorship, and need to be told that everything is possible.”
Those were the heartfelt words of Faith Kipyegon, Kenya’s middle-distance queen and triple world record holder, speaking during an interview following a warm reception at the Ministry of Sports headquarters in Nairobi.
The event—graced by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, PS for Sports Elijah Mwangi, Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, and NOCK President Paul Tergat—celebrated the return of team Kenya from the Prefontaine Classic, the 2025 Diamond League Final held in Eugene, Oregon.
While the reception was celebratory in tone, Kipyegon used the opportunity to highlight a cause close to her heart: giving back to young athletes from the grassroots, particularly in her hometown of Keringet in Kuresoi, Nakuru County, where her running journey began.
“It requires someone to understand young children, to see talent from the grassroots. It needs resources—training facilities, shoes, and proper coaching. These things matter,” said Kipyegon, who recently broke her own 1500m meet record at the Prefontaine Classic, clocking an astonishing 3:48.68.
She emphasized the critical role of early mentorship in nurturing talent. “If someone like me goes to one of the camps and talks to them, tells them my story, they’ll be motivated. They’ll believe they can achieve because they’ve heard it from someone who was once in their shoes.”
Faith revealed that a young girl training at a youth camp in Keringet looks up to her, a girl she has promised to visit. “I haven’t found time yet, but I will make time,” she said. “I want to sit with them, talk to them, and show them that everything is possible.”
Joining her in this dream of mentorship is fellow Kenyan distance star Beatrice Chebet, who also made history at the Prefontaine Classic by smashing the women’s 5000m world record, clocking 13:58.06—a phenomenal run that redefined the event’s standards. Chebet voiced her support for Faith’s grassroots initiative.
“When that time comes, I’ll be ready to support Faith in her initiative,” said Chebet. “We’ve experienced the journey from humble beginnings, and now it’s our turn to guide others.”
Faith’s passion aligns with Athletics Kenya’s youth development strategy, which includes junior camps designed to identify and nurture emerging talent nationwide. But what sets Kipyegon’s plan apart is her commitment to mentoring young girls from rural communities, particularly those who, like her, dream of greatness with little more than raw talent and resilience.
“I feel so happy when I see young girls looking up to me,” said Kipyegon. “That’s the fuel I need to keep pushing—not just for medals, but to empower them.”
Keringet, known for its rolling hills and high-altitude advantage, has already produced champions. But with Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet now leading by example, the region could become the epicenter of a new wave of female distance running excellence, built on belief, mentorship, and the power of coming back home to give others a hand up.
Because in the end, the most meaningful victories aren’t just timed in seconds and minutes,they’re measured in how many dreams are sparked along the way.
