Faith Kipyegon and Mary Moraa capped off their phenomenal 2024 season with exceptional performances at the inaugural Athlos NYC Invitational, a prestigious female-only track and field event held in New York. The event brought together some of the world’s top female athletes, and both Kipyegon and Moraa continued to prove why they are among Kenya’s greatest sports icons. With millions at stake, the Kenyan duo delivered world-class performances in their respective events, adding to their growing legacy in athletics.
Kipyegon Extends Unbeaten Streak in 1500m
Faith Kipyegon, a triple Olympic 1500m champion, further solidified her dominance by winning the women’s 1500m event at Athlos NYC with a time of 4:04.79. In a highly anticipated race, Kipyegon faced stiff competition from Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji, who has been a frequent rival on the track. Despite a strong challenge from Welteji, Kipyegon held her nerve and secured yet another victory, extending her unbeaten streak in the 1500m for 2024.
The legendary @Kipyegon_Faith claims her spot as the the ATHLOS 1500m champion! #AthlosNYC #Athlos2024 pic.twitter.com/lZLIEZcR8N
— ATHLOS (@athlos) September 27, 2024
Kipyegon’s strategy was clear from the start. She took control of the race early on, setting a fast pace that left her competitors trailing behind. Ethiopia’s Welteji made a valiant attempt to overtake Kipyegon in the final lap, but the Kenyan’s superior endurance and tactical awareness ensured she finished comfortably ahead. Welteji crossed the finish line in 4:05.58, while Kipyegon’s compatriot, Susan Ejore, clocked 4:06.25 to complete the podium, making it a successful outing for the Kenyan athletes.
Mary Moraa’s Strong Finish in the 800m
Mary Moraa, the reigning World 800m Champion, also delivered a stellar performance at Athlos NYC, finishing second in the women’s 800m race. Moraa, who has had an outstanding season, timed 1:58.05 in the final, narrowly losing to Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma, who clocked 1:57.43. Jamaican star Natoya Goule-Toppin finished third with a time of 1:58.63.
Upset in New York
World 800m indoor champ Tsige Duguma takes down world champ Mary Moraa at Athlos
1:57.43 ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/qtTusHQDtM
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) September 27, 2024
Moraa’s race was fiercely competitive, with Duguma taking an early lead. Despite her efforts to close the gap, Moraa was unable to catch the Ethiopian in the final 100 meters, settling for a well-earned second place. Nevertheless, Moraa’s consistent top performances throughout the season have cemented her status as one of the best middle-distance runners in the world, and her showing at Athlos NYC was another testament to her skill and resilience.
ALSO READ:
- Faith Kipyegon Triumphs in 1500m at Athlos NYC, Capping Off a Record-Breaking Season
- Beatrice Chebet and Mary Moraa Honored by Kenya Police for Stellar Olympic and Diamond League Performances
- Mary Moraa Dominates Zurich Diamond League 800m with a Stunning Win
Historic Prize Money at Athlos NYC
What set Athlos NYC apart from other track and field events was not only the high level of competition but also the staggering prize money on offer. Funded by Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, the event offered unprecedented financial rewards for the athletes.
First-place finishers in each event were awarded $60,000 (Ksh 7.7 million), second-place finishers took home $25,000 (Ksh 3.2 million), and third-place winners earned $10,000 (Ksh 1.2 million). In addition, the event organizers pledged that 10% of all event revenue would be distributed among the competitors, further enhancing the rewards for the athletes.
For Kipyegon, the win in New York added another Ksh 7.7 million to her growing earnings, making her 2024 season not only one of incredible athletic achievements but also a financial success. Moraa’s second-place finish earned her Ksh 3.2 million, a significant reward for her efforts in what has been a career-defining year.
The Athlos NYC event stands out for its dedication to promoting women’s athletics, with Ohanian expressing his commitment to creating more opportunities for female athletes to earn higher rewards. The prize money on offer at Athlos NYC dwarfs that of many other global competitions, including the Diamond League, where the winners in the final receive $30,000 (Ksh 3.8 million). This groundbreaking initiative has set a new benchmark for how female athletes are compensated for their performances on the world stage.
A Fitting End to a Historic Season
For both Kipyegon and Moraa, Athlos NYC marked the end of an unforgettable season. Kipyegon’s 2024 campaign will be remembered as one of the greatest in athletics history. In addition to her victory at Athlos NYC, she claimed her third Olympic gold in the 1500m, shattered the world record for the same event, and won her fifth Diamond League title.
Kipyegon’s consistency and ability to dominate her rivals in the 1500m have made her a living legend in the sport. Her focus and determination continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, and with every race, she further cements her place as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time.
Moraa, meanwhile, has enjoyed a breakout year, establishing herself as one of the top 800m runners in the world. Her performance at the World Athletics Championships, where she claimed the 800m title, was a highlight of the season, and her strong showing at Athlos NYC demonstrated that she is capable of maintaining her form at the highest level.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Kipyegon and Moraa?
As the 2024 season comes to a close, both Kipyegon and Moraa will take a well-deserved break before preparing for the next chapter in their illustrious careers. Kipyegon’s sights are likely set on the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where she will aim to win her fourth world title in the 1500m. Moraa, on the other hand, will continue to build on her success in the 800m, with the goal of defending her world title.
The Athlos NYC Invitational has not only highlighted the incredible talent of these Kenyan athletes but also marked a significant moment in women’s athletics. With increased prize money and more opportunities for female athletes to compete at the highest level, events like Athlos NYC are helping to elevate the sport and ensure that athletes like Kipyegon and Moraa receive the recognition and financial rewards they deserve.
Faith Kipyegon and Mary Moraa’s performances at Athlos NYC were a fitting end to their remarkable 2024 season. Both athletes have proven themselves as world-class competitors, earning millions in prize money while continuing to inspire fans around the globe. As they look forward to the next phase of their careers, Kipyegon and Moraa are not only solidifying their legacies in the world of athletics but also paving the way for future generations of female athletes.
