Olympic medalists Chebet and Kibiwott have been promoted to the rank of Corporal.

Beatrice Chebet and Abraham Kibiwott left Kenya for the Paris Olympics as constables in the police service, but returned having been promoted to the rank of Corporals.

Chebet received her promotion from Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli at Jogoo House on Wednesday, following her gold medal wins in both the women’s 5000m and 10000m races. Kibiwott, who earned bronze in the men’s 3000m race, also saw a rank increase to Corporal.

It is customary for officers in the discipline forces to be promoted one rank higher in recognition of their outstanding performances on the international stage.

Chebet, based in Kericho, expressed her joy at the promotion, attributing her success to hard work and discipline. She thanked Masengeli, her colleagues, teammates, and family for their support.

“I am thrilled to be promoted and grateful to my boss Masengeli for this recognition. I also appreciate my colleagues, teammates, and family for pushing me towards this achievement,” Chebet said.

Chebet made a remarkable debut on August 6 by winning the 5000m gold in 14:28.56, finishing ahead of compatriot Faith Kipyegon and Dutch star Sifan Hassan. She continued her stellar performance on August 9 by securing the 10,000m gold in 39:43.25, beating Italy’s Nadia Batocletti and Sifan Hassan again at Stade de France. Chebet’s achievements make her only the third woman to win both events at the same Olympics.

Kibiwott, an Administration Police officer based at the APTC training school in Embakasi, was also promoted after his bronze medal performance in the 3000m, clocking 8:06.47. He finished behind America’s Kenneth Rooks and Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali. The 28-year-old, from Uasin Gishu County, has a personal best of 8:05.51 and previously earned bronze at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and the 2016 African Championships in Durban.

“I did my best, though I didn’t achieve gold. I’ll keep striving for it. I’m thankful to my boss for recognizing my efforts, and I’m excited about my promotion,” said Kibiwott.

Following their return, both athletes traveled to Eldoret, where President William Ruto hosted a breakfast meeting for the Kenyan Olympic team. President Ruto is expected to award the medalists with cash bonuses.

Team Kenya finished 17th in Paris, securing a total of 11 medals: 4 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze.