Kenya’s athletics stars received a grand homecoming on Tuesday as they arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Jubilant supporters, government officials, and Athletics Kenya leaders thronged the airport, celebrating Team Kenya’s outstanding performance.
The country finished second overall behind the USA, topping Africa with 11 medals—7 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze. The arrivals lounge was alive with songs, ululations, and traditional dances, as athletes were draped with sinendet, a symbol of victory and blessing.
Among the medalists were golden champions Beatrice Chebet (5000m & 10000m), Faith Kipyegon (1500m), Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m), and Lillian Odira (800m). Odira, whose record-breaking 800m run stunned the world, called her victory “a huge honour,” while Chebet vowed to continue chasing global dominance. Kipyegon, who added a silver in the 5000m, affirmed that the team’s goal was to surpass their Budapest tally, noting she will next compete at the Athlos Meet in the USA.
Kenya’s women etched history by sweeping every gold medal in middle-distance and marathon events, underlining their global supremacy.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi praised the athletes’ resilience and confirmed government rewards of KSh 3 million for gold, KSh 2 million for silver, and KSh 1 million for bronze medalists.
Team Kenya’s return not only marked victory on the track but also a unifying moment of national pride and inspiration for future champions.
