Sports icon Tegla Loroupe wins IOC Women and Sport World Trophy

The Olympic Day celebration in Lausanne included the presentation of the IOC’s 2011 Women and Sport Awards, with Tegla Loroupe from Kenya winning the world trophy.

The world-class athlete, former marathon world-record holder and first African woman to win the New York marathon, has also been a champion off the running track: she founded and heads the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation, which educates, empowers and gives opportunities to women and communities in conflict.

For instance, she has organised numerous peace races for warring communities with the aim of building trust and breaking down stereotypes. Increasing numbers of women and girls are taking part. The cash prizes they win empower them economically and allow them to become equal partners with men in caring for their families. The Foundation has also created opportunities for women and girls to be trained and coached for both local and international sport.