Kipyegon urges AK to support women in transitioning

Two-time Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Chepng'etich Kipyegon has called on Athletics Kenya to investigate why there is a low rate of women graduates from the junior ranks.

Kipyegon observed that women are lagging behind their male counterparts in dominating the senior ranks, asking the governing body to help bridge the gap.

“We have seen young female athletes competing very well in the youth and junior categories. We need to accord them a smooth transition into the senior ranks so that there is no generational gap," said Kipyegon.

"The 5,000m and 10,000m events have very few female athletes and that's a big problem for us. We need Athletics Kenya to work on the modalities to help in this transition if the country is to keep its status among the best in the world.”

Speaking during an Athletics Kenya consultative meeting in Eldoret, the former world junior 1,500m champion reiterated that Kenya is no longer a dominant force, especially on the track, adding: “As a woman, I would like to see many women taking up sports, especially athletics."

"We need to have as many athletes as possible to help us flood major championships in the hunt for medals for the country.”

Kipyegon chronicled her journey through the youth and junior ranks before going on to become one of the best in her distance.

She observed that having more women will help shape not only the sport but also society in general.

“I see my daughter as an inspiration to me. I have to work extra hard as a mother to ensure that she gets the best of the best. If we can have as many women as possible joining sports, then it will be great for us. We (established athletes) shall be there to hold their hands and support them in their running careers,” said Kipyegon.

Kipyego said the country is currently in dire need of top athletes to take up the 1,500m, 5,000 and 10,000m, races in which Kenya has had indifferent results recently.

posted Thursday April 6th
by Emmanuel Sabuni