After reaching the pinnacle of their sport, athletes often contemplate their next steps.

Kenyan middle-distance legend Faith Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic champion and five-time world title holder in both the 1500m and 5000m, has faced this dilemma numerous times throughout her successful career.

Now, at 32, Kipyegon is redirecting some of her focus beyond competition as she recently unveiled her plans to establish a maternity center in her hometown of Keringet.

Residents in the area currently need to travel approximately 35 kilometers (about 21.75 miles) for hospital services, which poses serious risks to expectant mothers and their infants. The forthcoming facility, termed the Dare to Dream Maternity Ward, aims to ensure safer childbirth experiences.

“Growing up in Keringet, and even now, I frequently witness something that deeply saddens me. I see women going into labor filled with hope, bringing new life and dreams; yet too often, they return home empty-handed,” Kipyegon expressed.

“This happens not because of any fault of their own, but due to the distance, inadequate care, or lack of quality medical services near them.

“Numerous women give birth without access to proper facilities, minimal medical aid, lacking safety or dignity.

“The repercussions of this affect not just the mothers and infants, but entire families, and ultimately, our collective future.”

Having welcomed her daughter Alyn in 2018, Kipyegon participated in a ceremony marking the beginning of the construction for the facility, which also featured a children’s cross country event.

The Dare to Dream Maternity Ward will receive funding from Kipyegon’s footwear sponsor, Nike, as part of a legacy initiative following her near achievement of becoming the first woman ever to complete a mile in under four minutes in Paris last June.

“This is a pledge to mothers, local families, and the future generations,” stated Tanya Hvizdak, Nike’s global head of running.

“When women have the assurance of safe and dignified childbirth, entire communities thrive around them.”