Nairobi, October 13- Kenyan track star Faith Kipyegon walked away KSh 7.7 million richer after winning the women’s mile at the second edition of Athlos NYC, an event founded by tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian to better reward athletes.
Kipyegon clocked 4:17.78 to take the top prize, continuing her dominance over Ethiopian rival Gudaf Tsegay extending her unbeaten streak against her to 19 consecutive victories. Tsegay came in second, with American Nikki Hiltz finishing third.
The race offered one of the biggest payouts in track and field, with each winner taking home USD 60,000 (approximately KSh 7.7 million), paid instantly after the event.
“I have been dominating this event. I am the queen, and now you are crowning me like a queen,” Kipyegon said proudly after her win. “This is my time. I have been pushing myself to achieve many goals and inspire the next generation. I am also still inspiring myself to run fast.”
Ohanian’s initiative aims to tackle the issue of underpayment in athletics, a sport that continues to draw massive audiences but often fails to compensate athletes fairly.
There was also a USD 250,000 (KSh 32 million) bonus up for grabs for any athlete who broke a world record, though no records fell this time.
After her victory, Kipyegon was crowned by tennis legend Serena Williams, who attended the event to honour the winners marking a symbolic moment where two of the world’s greatest athletes shared the stage.
