Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
New York Post
‘Embarrassing’ statues of Kenyan runners removed after uproar: Artist ‘will not see heaven’
By Natalie O'Neill,
9 hours ago
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.
A statue of marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge was removed after residents complained it looked nothing like the runner. Mercy Tarus/X Eliud Kipchoge (center) is one of Kenya’s prized runners. AFP via Getty Images
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.
“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.
They were supposed to represent the town’s sports and agricultural history and were erected at roundabouts in the area.
Critics called the statue of Faith Kipyegon “embarrassing.” Mercy Tarus/X Faith Kipyegon, of Kenya, is a world record holder for the 1,500-meter event. AP
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.
For top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Comments / 0