Athlete Agnes Jebet/X
President William Ruto has commended Agnes Jebet Ng'etich following her outstanding victory in the women's 3,000 metres at the Monaco Diamond League.
In a congratulatory message, he described her performance as another demonstration of Kenya's enduring excellence in athletics.
Ng'etich stormed to victory in a remarkable time of 8:08.95, the third-fastest performance in the history of the event, further cementing her place among the world's elite distance runners.
Following the feat, Ruto said the athlete's achievement had once again showcased Kenya's strength on the global athletics stage.
"Well done, Agnes Jebet Ng'etich for an outstanding victory in the women's 3,000m at the Monaco Diamond League," the President said.
He noted that Ng'etich's remarkable time reflected the country's rich athletics heritage and its continued ability to produce world-class champions.
"Ng'etich's remarkable time of 8:08.95, the third fastest in history, is a testament to Kenya's enduring excellence in athletics," Ruto added.
Athlete Simon Koech/X
The President also congratulated Simon Koech, who claimed victory in the men's 3,000-metre steeplechase, and Edmund Serem, who finished third in the same race to complete a successful outing for Team Kenya at the prestigious Diamond League meeting.
"Congratulations also to Simon Koech on winning the men's 3,000m steeplechase and Edmund Serem for securing third place. Thank you for being Kenya's good ambassadors on the global stage," Ruto said.
According to the race results, Ngetich crossed the finish line well ahead of Ethiopia's Baweke Aleshign, who finished second in 8:23.81. Ethiopia's Getachew Senayet placed third in 8:24.02.
Another Kenyan, Faith Kipyegon, finished fourth after clocking 8:24.21.
The performance also brought Ngetich within touching distance of the long-standing world record. She now sits "just less than three seconds outside the world record" held by Wang Junxia.
Ngetich's time of 8:08.95 is also the third fastest ever recorded by a woman over the distance.
The result marks an impressive start to her track campaign and adds another milestone to the Kenyan distance runner's career.
Official results from the Monaco Diamond League showed Ethiopia's Hailu Freweyni finished fifth in 8:25.77, followed by compatriot Mebratu Aynadis in sixth with 8:27.15. Alem Mizan of Ethiopia came home seventh in 8:27.99.
Ngetich's commanding victory ensured Kenya topped the podium in one of the meeting's headline races, with her exceptional time placing her among the fastest women ever to compete in the 3,000 metres.
Ruto's tribute comes moments after he celebrated middle-distance sensation Emmanuel Wanyonyi after he shattered the men's 1,000-metre world record at the League.
The event marked the end of a 27-year wait for a new global mark in the event.
