Kenyan Athletes in Tokyo for the World Championships, who will bag medals in their respective races will now fly business class as they return to the country.
This follows an uproar from a section of Kenyans questioned why long-distance star Peres Jepchirchir, who won Gold in the women’s marathon flew economy.
According to the government officials accompanying the team in Tokyo, arrangements have already been made to ensure they medalists travel business class.
The officials said they hope this would motivate the team to work even harder.
“The travel arrangements have been done and we intend to fly all the medalists’ business class for their good performance and we believe this will motivate them to work harder,” Secretary of Administration for Sports, Evans Achoki said.
It all started when a video of Jepchirchir being celebrated in a plane for bagging gold in the race.
Flight attendants aboard her return flight surprised the Olympic champion with a mini-cake and juice, accompanied by cheers and warm words of gratitude on behalf of her country.
“We are very honoured to have you. You have done a fantastic job getting a gold medal for the marathon. Thank you so much,” one of the cabin crew was heard saying.
“God bless you, and may all your dreams come true. May you keep getting more and more medals for your country.”
Jepchirchir, who has established herself as one of the world’s finest marathoners, could be seen smiling as she received the surprise honour.
Kenyans on social media however, said the athletes should be treated better and she deserved more than an economy ticket.
During the race, she engaged Ethiopian opponent Tigst Assefa in a sprint finish in the last 50 metres to take gold in a season best of 2:24:43.
Assefa clocked 2:24:45 ahead of Uruguay’s Julia Paternain, who completed the podium in 2:27:23.
