Kenyans poured scorn and ridicule Thursday on a statue they said depicted Olympic star Faith Kipyegon in the world-renowned running hub of Eldoret as the nation feted its victorious Olympians.

Kenya's Faith Kipyegon made history on Saturday after becoming the first woman to win three consecutive Olympic 1,500m gold medals with a superb display of middle distance running.

Kipyegon produced an imperious front-running performance to add to her 2017 and 2022 titles, her face creasing in joy as realisation of her feat struck home.

The 29-year-old produced a stunning performance to crush the world 5,000 mark at the Paris Diamond League on Friday, beating world record-holder Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia in the process.