World record-holders Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet have urged the government to step up and provide elite training facilities for Kenyan athletes ahead of the Tokyo World Championships in September.
Their call comes hot on the heels of their record-breaking performances at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene last weekend, where the two tore up the record books in sensational style.
Kipyegon clocked 3:48.68 in the women’s 1,500m to obliterate her world record and become the first woman in history to dip under 3:49.
Meanwhile, Chebet delivered a historic performance in the 5,000m, stopping the clock at 13:58.06 to become the first woman to break the 14-minute barrier. The two stars voiced deep concern over the dire state of training facilities in Kenya.
Currently, the country's two main stadiums, the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo, are closed for the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in August. The Ulinzi Sports Complex, the only alternative, could also be off-limits once CHAN kicks off.
Kipyegon voiced her concerns about the unavailability of proper training grounds, recalling her preparations to become the first woman to run a one-mile race in under four minutes on June 26.
"As I was preparing to go to Paris to try and become the first woman to run a Mile under four minutes, I went through a lot, especially trying to settle for the best training venue," Kipyegon said.
"I was so disappointed that the Kipchoge Stadium was closed when I was trying to go and become the first woman to run a Mile in under four minutes."
On June 26 in Paris, Kipyegon attempted to become the first woman to dip under the four-minute mark in the women's one-mile race, but her attempt fell short when she posted 4:06.42. The 31-year-old noted that she had to seek alternatives to execute her training for her record-breaking mission in Paris.
"I want to thank the Moi School of Law in Eldoret and the University of Eldoret, where I trained. If it was not for those facilities, I don't think I would have been able to try," she added.
"I tried my best to be the best in the world with want I did in those two facilities."
Kipyegon, 31, became visibly emotional as she highlighted the gulf in infrastructure between Kenyan athletes and their international rivals. "Sometimes, I feel emotional talking about this issue because, for other elite athletes around the world, they have perfect facilities to train. That is why these days we have high-profile competitions all over the world."
"If you have good tracks and facilities to train, we can perform even better than we do," she said. She pleaded with the Ministry of Sports to build and maintain proper training tracks, not just for the current stars, but for the next generation of Kenyan champions.
"My request is about having a proper track for us to train.. This is not only for us but the younger athletes who look up to us. We hope one day, one time they will get a better place to train."
Chebet echoed Kipyegon's sentiments, calling for proper facilities for the country's athletes. "We go through a lot in training, more so when Faith was preparing to go break the four-minute barrier in the Mile. The facilities she used were inadequate because when it rains, you have to wait for the track to dry to train."
"We need good tracks; that is our only request. If we can achieve sub-14 and sub-3:49 on the murram track, I think we can do much more with a tartan track," Chebet said.
In response, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to upgrading the country's sports infrastructure. "I hear you about the tartan track, and as a ministry, we are already investing heavily. In stadiums like Kamariny, Kipchoge Keino, Nyayo and Homabay, we are already working on having a standard tartan track."
"We will invest and ensure you have the best facilities for your training," Mvurya said.
