‘Embarrassing’ statues of Kenyan runners removed after uproar: Artist ‘will not see heaven’

This artist doesn’t have a leg to stand on.

New statues in Kenya purporting to portray some of the nation’s legendary long distance runners are sparking outrage — as fans say they are a “disgrace” that don’t look like anyone they are supposed to represent, reports said.

Officials in the town of Eldoret last week unveiled three statues depicting the athletes — including two-time Olympic marathon gold medalist Eliud Kipchoge and 1,500-meter world record champion Faith Kipyegon — ahead of a ceremony giving the area official city status, according to BBC News .

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But the crudely designed sculptures quickly drew criticism from residents who called them a “joke” and said they look nothing like the talented runners they represent.

“It’s a disgrace calling it a Faith Kipyegon statue,” one Kenyan observer fumed on X .

A second resident said the art is a symbol of “our collective mediocrity as a country” while another said they were “embarrassing.”

Another critic posted a side-by-side comparison of a detailed and realistic Kipchoge statue in Oregon, next to the childishly composed one in Eldoret.

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“Kipchoge Statue in US VS KENYA,” the user wrote . “Whoever did this will not see heaven.”

Less than a week after the statues went on display, they were yanked from their pedestals on Thursday night, the outlet reported.

Eldoret is known as the nation’s “home of champions” because it’s located at the center of the Rift Valley, where most of Kenya’s world champion runners hail from.

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They were supposed to represent the town’s sports and agricultural history and were  erected at roundabouts in the area.

Kenyan authorities haven’t said who the statues depict but social media users have described  them as Kipyegon and another of Kipchoge.

It wasn’t clear who the third sculpture depicted or the artist’s name.

Kenya was the highest-ranked African country at the Paris Olympics, placing 17th  internationally with four golds and a total of 11 medals.

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