Peres Jepchirchir was celebrated by flight attendants during her journey back to Kenya after winning a gold medal at the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Peres Jepchirchir used economy class when returning to Kenya after winning gold in Tokyo. Jepchirchir returned home after a brilliant performance in Tokyo, where she outsprinted Tigist Assefa of Ethiopia to win the women’s marathon on September 14, 2025. The veteran athlete has now won both a world title and an Olympic title in the same city, with this win serving as redemption after an underwhelming performance at the 2024 Olympics. How did flight attendants honour Jepchirchir? In a video shared online, flight attendants can be seen holding a tray of food and drinks beside where Jepchirchir and another Kenyan athlete were sitting.The attendants congratulated Jepchirchir on her victory and presented her with a plate inscribed with the word ‘Congrats’ to celebrate.
The Olympic champion, smiling, graciously accepted the gift. The 31-year-old landed safely in Kenya and received a hero’s welcome at the airport. Her gold medal was the second one for Kenya after Beatrice Chebet’s triumph in the women’s 10,000m. Jepchirchir has also won the London, Boston, and New York Marathons. What did fans say about Jepchirchir video? Most fans did not appreciate the gesture, reiterating that world champions should fly business class. @farhiyaabass: “Well, an upgrade would be a better way to honor a World Champion 🙄” @Joram_Stoic: “But why are they seated in ushago of the plane. Champions should be seated at business class.” @Its_Waweru1: “Sad that politicians fly business class but our real heroes are being thrown to economy class with zero regards 🥲 it’s just sad, this people just won medals some good hospitality would come in handy.”
Peres Jepchirchir outpaced former world record holder Tigist Assefa to win the women’s marathon in Tokyo. Photo by Kaz Photography. Source: Getty Images @marvin_chege10: “A world marathon champion flying in economy 😭😭.” @JaokooMoses “Upgrading the ticket to business class was not only necessary but should be mandatory. We must honour our heroes while still alive. This is extremely pathetic and high grade incompetence.” Kenyan athletes who win gold medals will be rewarded with KSh 3 million from the Kenyan government and $70,000 (KSh9 million) from World Athletics.
By Edwin Kiplagat
