Ruto decorates Wanyonyi, Moses Kiptanui and coach Sang with national honours

Three-time world 3,000 metres steeplechase champion Moses Kiptanui and veteran coach Patrick Sang have been decorated with the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.) Second Class.

The two, who were rivals in steeplechase during their careers, are among sports personalities that were conferred with varying state honours by President William Ruto on Friday during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations held at  Nyayo National Stadium.

Kiptanui, who is also the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist, immensely contributed to the country’s dominance in steeplechase, winning back-to-back World Athletics Championship titles in 1991 (Tokyo), 1993 (Stuttgart, Germany), and in 1995 (Gothenburg, Sweden) before setting for silver in 1997 Athens.

Kiptanui, 55, won the world junior (now world under-20) 1,500m title in 1990, and the 1994 London 3,000m steeplechase world cup.

Sang, 61, who lost the battle to Kiptanui in 1991 (Tokyo) and 1993 (Stuttgart) world championships to settle for silver medals respectively, is coach of two-time Olympic marathon champion, Eliud Kipchoge and middle distance runner Faith Kipyegon.

Kipyegon won back-to-back Olympic 1,500m titles in 2016 Rio, 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris, making her the first woman in history to achieve the feat. She also sealed her fourth world title over the distance in Tokyo in September this year, also making her the first woman to accomplish the feat.

Besides winning the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Marathon, Kipchoge broke the world record twice in 2018 Berlin (2:01:39), making him the first man to run under two hours and two minutes, and 2022 Berlin (2:01:09).

Though not official, he is the first man to run a marathon under two hours when he clocked 1:59:40 during the Ineos 1:59 Challenge on October 12, 2019 at Vienna’s Prater park, Austria.

President Ruto also conferred the Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W.) on Olympics and world 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and world 800m champion Lilian Odira as well as Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia’s attacking midfielder Austin Odhiambo.

President Ruto also honoured Harambee Starlets head coach Beldin Odemba with the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS), having guided her team to their second Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification.

President Ruto bestowed the MBS awards on Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairperson Harriet Okach.