Triumphant Team Kenya returns from Paris, to be hosted by President Ruto

The heroic Team Kenya that did the country proud at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games made a triumphant return to the country Tuesday evening with the medalists talking up their experiences and the joy of conquering the course.

Leading the contingent at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport[JKIA] was Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who standing shoulder to shoulder with gold medalists Faith Kipyegon[1500m] and Beatrice Chebet[5000m and 10000m] hailed the athletes for their impeccable performance at the Games, noting that the heroic team will be hosted by President William Ruto Thursday morning.

Murkomen said that attention now shifts to the 2028 edition in Los Angeles in the USA, adding that hard work must go in to ensure that the medal haul is bettered.

In Paris Kenya bagged 11 medals – four gold, two silver and five bronze to top Africa and emerge 17th globally.

Faith Kipyegon who claimed silver in the women’s 5000m and gold in 1500m said, “Let me take this opportunity to say thank you to the Government, Sports Ministry, and NOC-K for the support and for that, we were able to perform.”

My biggest goal was to defend my country over 1500m. It is still emotional for me [over what happened in 5000m] and I thank my coach and my teammates for talking to me. They told me you got this [to compete and challenge in the 1500],” she said.

Double gold medallist Beatrice Chebet was all smiles as she stepped on home soil for the very first time since conquering the Paris course, in two races.

“I want to thank God because we have come a long way. This was my first time [to compete at the Olympics]… I’m so happy being a double gold medallist and being an Olympic champion. I want to thank the government, NOCK, AK, my family and everyone who supported me at Paris 2024.”