Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet returned from the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo as the highest-earning athlete from the country. She struck gold in both the 10,000m and 5,000m races, making her the standout performer of the tournament. Each gold medal came with a prize of $70,000, or about Sh9.03 million, which meant Chebet earned Sh18.06 million from her victories. On top of this, the Kenyan government will award her Sh3 million for each medal, taking her total earnings to more than Sh24 million.
Faith Kipyegon, one of Kenya’s most celebrated middle-distance runners, also secured a big payday. She clinched gold in the 1,500m race, which brought in Sh9.03 million, and silver in the 5,000m, worth $35,000 or about Sh4.5 million. Her combined earnings stood at Sh13.53 million. With an additional Sh2 million from the government, Kipyegon will take home about Sh15.53 million in total.
How much did other Kenyan athletes earn in Tokyo?
The Championships saw other Kenyan athletes rewarded handsomely for their efforts. Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Lilian Odira, winners of the men’s and women’s 800m races, each received Sh9.03 million in prize money and Sh3 million from the government, totaling Sh12.03 million each. Peris Jepchirchir, who won the women’s marathon, and Faith Cherotich, the 3,000m steeplechase champion, pocketed similar amounts.
Athletes who earned bronze medals were also compensated well. Edmund Serem in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, Dorcas Ewoi in the 1,500m, and Reynold Cheruiyot in the men’s 1,500m each secured Sh2.8 million from World Athletics and an additional Sh500,000 from the government.
What could these victories mean beyond prize money?
Beyond the official awards, both Chebet and Kipyegon are expected to benefit from lucrative endorsement deals. Faith Kipyegon already has an endorsement relationship with telecommunications giant Safaricom, while Chebet’s double victory could open similar opportunities.
Reflecting on her success, Kipyegon shared: “I am winning because of my husband’s love and support.” This personal note highlighted the team effort behind her triumphs and offered a glimpse into the support system that continues to push her to the top of the global stage.
By Yockshard Enyendi