Bungei backs Kipyegon to clinch historic Laureus award

Former Olympics gold medalist in 800m Wilfred Bungei has backed Triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon to win this year’s Laureus World Sports Award.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Bungei said her performance in the Paris Olympic Games and Diamond League makes her the favorite to become the second ever Kenyan to win the award since Vivian Cheruiyot in 2012.

Others contesting the same award include seven-time Olympic gymnast champion Simone Biles (United States), Olympic marathon champion Sifan Hassan (the Netherlands), tennis superstar Aryanna Sabalenka (Belarus), and Spanish footballer Aitana Bonmati, who won the award last year.

“She has been very consistent in her races; she keeps improving every day and she had a successful year and that is why she deserves the award because she is also a role model to many in the world,” said Bungei

Bungei went on to praise Kipyegon for her consistency on the track, saying it comes with hard work and discipline, which has kept the gold medalist the best in her field.
“She is a modern athlete; she is on fire 365 days in a year very disciplined and always working hard to improve herself; that is why she is successful any time she competes, “added Bungei

Athletics Kenya has been holding track and field events, the last one being in Thika last weekend, and the legendary athlete said it will help the federation come up with a strong team for the world championship in Tokyo in September because the best are facing the best at the same time mentoring the upcoming athletes.

“That is a very good initiative from AK; this will help nature more local talent and also be a chance for the veteran athletes to mentor the upcoming ones; it will bring the best out of athletes,” stated the gold medalist