This archive report was first published on 7 November 2019.
On November 8, 2019, Kenyan athletics legend Paul Tergat was honored with the Honorary Achilles Prize at the International Athletics Film Festival (FICA) in San Sebastian, Spain.
The five-time world cross-country champion and International Olympic Committee member was recognized for his international appeal and contribution to the sport, following in the footsteps of Bob Beamon, who received the award a year earlier.
During his time in the early 1990s, Tergat was a popular world champion, winning several cross-country races. He expressed his gratitude for the honor, saying, “It’s a big honor to be recognized in this way, and this honor is very special to me.”
He also emphasized the importance of preserving memories for future generations, stating, “I hope this type of event (FICA) will continue for many years. To see the film of my cross-country victories, as well as my defeats on the track at the Olympics, brings it all back to me even though it was 20 years ago, and more. But it’s important to keep these memories for our children and grandchildren.”
As part of the ceremony, Tergat was also presented with a ceremonial inscribed Basque beret, a traditional gift in San Sebastian. He fondly remembered the warm reception he received in Spain during his competitive years, saying, “I have competed all over the world, but I remember well the reception I always got in Spain. The people here were always very warm and welcoming.”
