Kenyan Athlete Eliud Kipchoge was on Tuesday crowned winner of this year’s Male athlete of the year at the IAAF. The 34 year-old was crowned at a ceremony that was held in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
The world Marathon record holder, smashed the marathon world record in Berlin by 78 seconds, completing the 42.195km distance in a time of 2:01:39. Colombian jumper Caterina Ibarguen emerged the winner of female athletes of the Year.
Speaking after receiving the award, Kipchoge said that ”this award actually means a lot to me. It is significant of all the hard work I’ve been doing all my career.”
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President led Kenyans in congratulating Kipchoge upon his international win.
In a tweet Kenyatta wrote “Congratulations @EliudKipchoge for winning the 2018 IAAF Male Athlete of the Year Award. Your dominance in the marathon has not only propelled you to the history books of icons, but has also ensured Kenya remains a world leader in Athletics. We are very proud of you”.
https://twitter.com/UKenyatta/status/1070168343473283072
DP Ruto also took to his twitter handle with a congratulatory message to Kipchoge.
“Congratulations to Eliud Kipchoge for being named IAAF Male Athlete of the Year 2018 at awards ceremony in Monaco. A legend of the game, Kipchoge deserves the highest accolade for his prowess, consistency, tact, endurance, dominance and strength of character,” tweeted DP Ruto.
Kipchoge's latest feat elevates him to the top of world athletics and assures his place in our history books. A thrilling, proud moment for Kenya. Well done! #AthleticsAwards pic.twitter.com/FsBcHydP1a
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) December 4, 2018
Congratulations to Eliud Kipchoge for being named IAAF Male Athlete of the Year 2018 at awards ceremony in Monaco. A legend of the game, Kipchoge deserves the highest accolade for his prowess, consistency, tact, endurance, dominance and strength of character. #AthleticsAwards pic.twitter.com/1t7RGS3kw6
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) December 4, 2018
Citizen TV’s Jeff Koinange tweeted,” He is THE MAN!!!!! Hongera, Eliud! #TheGreatest #IAAF”
East Africa Legislative Assembly member Mpuru Aburi wrote, “Hongera Eliud Kipchoge for being named IAAF Male Athlete of the Year Awards 2018. Proud of you for placing us as a country at the World map. Keep the Star Shining.,”
Dennis Itumbi tweeted “@EliudKipchoge is officially a living legend. A running artist. An Athletics syllabus, A hero. Yes @nytimes was right – A Sports Philosopher – and For being the finest son of our land, he deserves the highest Medal – Elder of The Golden Heart (EGH).
.@EliudKipchoge is officially a living legend. A running artist. An Athletics syllabus, A hero. Yes @nytimes was right – A Sports Philosopher – and For being the finest son of our land, he deserves the highest Medal – Elder of The Golden Heart (EGH). #AthleticsAwards pic.twitter.com/dhl2aA02Bs
— Dennis Itumbi, HSC (@OleItumbi) December 4, 2018
In October, Kipchoge was named United Nations (UN) Person of the Year by the UN office in Nairobi.
The Dutch embassy was among the first to applaud Kipchoge after receiving the accolade.
“The embassy congratulates marathon runner and world record holder Eliud Kipchoge on winning the UN in Kenya Person of the Year award for his work on combating HIV/AIDS at today’s UN Day celebration.” Wrote the Dutch embassy.