Kipyegon, Kiptum named among 100 Most Influential Africans
2nd January 2024
The list was prepared by the New African Magazine.
- The list has the likes of President William Ruto, Chef Ali Mandhry, Wanuri Kaihiu (filmmaker) and Equity Bank chief executive officer James Mwangi.
- Other Kenyans who made it to the list include Chao Maina (historian) James Irungu Mwangi (environmentalist), and Wanjira Mathai (environmentalist).
World record holders Faith Kipyegon and Kelvin Kiptum are
among nine Kenyans that have been named in the 2023 most influential Africans
list.
The list which was prepared by the New African Magazine also
has the likes of President William Ruto, Chef Ali Mandhry, Wanuri Kaihiu
(filmmaker) and Equity Bank chief executive officer James Mwangi.
Other Kenyans who made it to the list include Chao Maina
(historian) James Irungu Mwangi (environmentalist), and Wanjira Mathai
(environmentalist).
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Kiptum had a fantastic year, winning a number of Abbott
World Majors Series Marathons including London and Chicago.
The athlete who turned 24 earlier last month also broke
Eliud Kipchoge’s world record when he crossed the finishing line in 2:00.35 at
the Chicago Marathon.
On the other hand, Kipyegon was unmatchable in the just
ended year, breaking three world records and winning various titles.
The runner, who hails from Keringet, Nakuru County smashed
the 5000m, one mile and 1500m world records in sensational fashions.
FEATURE STORY: Faith Kipyegon – From humble beginnings to global phenomenon
She lowered the 1500m world record which was previously held
by Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba from 3:50.07 to 3:49.11 in Florence, United States
of America before setting a new 5000m world record of 14:05.20 at the Paris
Diamond League. Her one-mile world record stands at 4:07.64.
However, the 5000m world record was later taken from her by
Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay who clocked 14:00.21 at the Prefontaine Classic in
September.
Kipyegon also won Kenya two gold medals at the World
Athletics Championships held in Budapest, Hungary before securing a bronze
medal at the World Road Running Championships staged in Riga, Latvia.
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Besides Kipyegon and Kiptum, six other African sports
persons including the 2023 Confederation of African Football (CAF) male player
of the year Victor Osimhen made it to the list.
Others include South African rugby legend Siya Kolisi,
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, CAF president Patrice Motsepe, and Eritrean
cyclist Biniam Girmay.
Sports Persons Named in 100 Most Influential Africans of
2023
Kelvin Kiptum
Biniam Girmay
Francis Ngannou
Faith Kipyegon
The Springboks, led by captain Siya Kolisi
Yassine Bounou
Patrice Motsepe
Victor Osimhen
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