Kenya’s government has promised that all medal-winning athletes will fly business class, following a storm of criticism over the treatment of Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir.
The row erupted after a video posted by Citizen Digital showed Jepchirchir returning from Tokyo seated in economy class. Just days earlier, she had beaten Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in a dramatic finish to claim gold at the World Athletics Championships.
The sight of a world champion squeezed into the back of a plane infuriated many Kenyans, who accused Athletics Kenya of disrespecting the nation’s sporting heroes. “This is unacceptable,” one fan wrote on social media, echoing a wave of anger that spread online.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports bowed to the pressure. In a statement, officials confirmed a new policy: medal winners will now travel business class on international flights.
The move marks a rare and rapid shift in sports administration, an area often criticised for its sluggish response to athletes’ concerns. For many, it also represents a symbolic step in recognising the sacrifices and achievements of Kenya’s runners, who have long brought glory to the country.
The controversy has cast fresh scrutiny on Athletics Kenya, whose officials have faced repeated questions about how athletes are treated once the spotlight fades. Analysts note that the episode reflects a broader frustration — that Kenya’s sporting icons are celebrated in victory but often neglected in practice.
For Jepchirchir, whose calm demeanour and fierce competitive spirit have made her one of the most admired figures in distance running, the furore may be behind her. But for Kenya’s sports establishment, it is a reminder that the public expects more than medals: it expects dignity.
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