Faith Kipyegon Credits Ambassador’s Ugali Hunt for Wanyonyi’s Gold in Tokyo

Kenya’s triumphant athletes, returning from a historic showing at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, were hosted by President William Ruto at State House for breakfast and a formal recognition ceremony.During the celebratory event, middle-distance champion Faith Kipyegon highlighted an unexpected element critical to securing one of the nation’s seven gold medals: the national staple food, ugali.

Kipyegon, who secured gold in the 1,500m and silver in the 5,000m events in Tokyo, singled out Kenya’s Ambassador to Japan, Moi Lemoshira, for extraordinary efforts during the championships.

While delivering remarks as assistant team captain, Kipyegon thanked the government, the ministry, and Athletics Kenya (AK) for their support. She then shifted focus to the crucial role played by Ambassador Moi Lemoshira.

Kipyegon explained that the Ambassador had undertaken an "amazing job" looking for ugali for men’s 800m gold winner, Emmanuel Wanyonyi.

In a moment of candid revelation, Kipyegon suggested that the difficult-to-find meal was key to Wanyonyi’s success, which provided the men’s side with their only gold medal.

"Let me also take this opportunity to say a big thank you to ambassador in Tokyo Moi Lemoshira. Your excellency he did amazing job to look for looking for ugali for Wanyonyi. I don’t think tungepata gold medal kama haingekuwa hiyo ugali,” she playfully said.

ALSO READ: Breakdown: Money Each Athlete Will Receive from Ruto After Tokyo Triumph

Kipyegon used the opportunity to playfully challenge her male counterparts, noting the women came home with six gold medals while the men returned with just one. "Somen you have to pull your socks up," she remarked.

Tokyo Triumph and Record Payouts

The recognition ceremony followed a highly successful performance by the Kenyan contingent.

The nine-day championship, held in Tokyo, Japan, from September 13 to September 21, 2025, saw Kenya claim 11 awards in total.

This haul included seven spectacular gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals, placing Kenya second on the overall medal table.

The championships were historically significant, especially for Kenyan women, who won all the gold medals offered in track races ranging from the 800m to the marathon.

The team's success was celebrated not only with a State House breakfast but also with significant financial rewards, which President Ruto had reviewed and substantially increased before the team travelled to Tokyo.

Previously, a gold medal secured Ksh 750,000. Under the new structure, this reward was quadrupled.

Key Statistics (Revised Reward Structure):

Medal Type                               New Reward (Ksh)

Gold                                           3,000,000

Silver                                         2,000,000

Bronze                                      1,000,000

The government affirmed that athletes are the country’sbiggest ambassadors, hence the improved packages designed to enhance pay and support.

Wanyonyi, as a gold medalist in the Men's 800m, is set to receive Ksh 3,000,000. Kipyegon, due to her gold and silver haul, is due a reward of Ksh 5,000,000. Other notable recipients include Beatrice Chebet, who claimed Ksh 6,000,000 for winning both the 5,000m and 10,000m gold medals.