The millions Faith Kipyegon will earn for smashing world record in Paris

Two-time world and Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon is basking in the glory of her triumph at the Paris Diamond League where she shattered her own 1,500m world record.

The record-breaking feat not only bolstered her reputation as one of the finest middle-distance runners of her generation but also set the stage for significant financial rewards.

On a remarkable Sunday, Kipyegon clocked an astounding time of 3:49.04, shaving off seven hundredths of a second from her previous world record set in 2023.

The race was a nail-biter until the last 200 meters where Kipyegon showcased her championship pedigree by pulling away from Australian runner Jessica Hull and crossing the finish line with a new record.

According to the Diamond League's prize distribution, Kipyegon will receive $10,000 (Ksh 1.27million) for her first-place finish.

However, the financial benefits extend far beyond the immediate prize money.

For surpassing the world record, Kipyegon is entitled to a minimum bonus of $50,000 (Ksh 6.3million), a significant incentive offered by the Diamond League to encourage record-breaking performances.

This brings her total earnings from the event to at least $60,000 (Ksk 7.2million). Yet the rewards for Kipyegon affectionately known as 'Stargirl' among her fans do not end there.

The Kenyan government also recognizes the extraordinary achievements of its athletes through a special scheme.

Any Kenyan athlete who sets a world record is awarded Ksh5 million (approximately $43,000), adding to the national pride and personal gain of the athlete.

Moreover, Kipyegon's success in Paris is likely to trigger further bonuses from her sponsors.

While the specifics of these deals are not publicly disclosed, sponsorship agreements in athletics typically include performance-based bonuses, especially for athletes of Kipyegon's caliber who consistently break records and win medals.

The financial implications of her record-breaking performance extend into future competitions as well.

Looking ahead, Kipyegon is not just focused on financial gains but also on making history.

She is aiming to be the first woman to complete a hat-trick in the 1,500m at the Olympics and to claim both the 1,500m and 5,000m titles at a single Olympics.

Achievements of this magnitude would likely bring additional sponsorships and increase her marketability, thereby enhancing her earnings potential.