On the track, the Kenyan superstar has set world records, pushed himself to the limit and made history.
However, since Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic champion, became a mother in 2018, she has also been concerned about infant and maternal mortality in her home country.
And as the Kenyan has done for years in her athletics career, facing her opponents with courage, she has decided to take up the challenge to help reduce Kenya’s high rate of maternal mortality, using her status to leave a lasting legacy.
“Today is about a different kind of breakthrough. A breakthrough that goes far beyond sport. A breakthrough that touches life itself,” the five-time gold medalist said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
On Sunday (January 25), she returned to her rural hometown of Keringet for the official launch of what will be called the ‘Dare to Dream Maternity Ward’. The facility will be built on the grounds of the Immaculate Conception.
“Growing up in Keringet and actually still today, I see something that breaks my heart far too often,” Kipyegon noted.
“I see women going to work full of hope, carrying life, carrying dreams and too often they come back empty-handed. Not because they did anything wrong. But because the care they needed was too far away, too limited, or just not good enough.
“I have carried a dream in my heart for a long time. A dream to help change this reality. A dream to create a place where women feel safe giving life. A place where children are born with care, protection and hope. Today that dream takes its first powerful step.”
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