Team Kenya had an impressive Olympics showpiece in Rio, after bagging thirteen medals in total, the last being gold medal that was won by Eliud Kipchoge in the men’s marathon. Eliud Kipchoge maintained his distance from fellow competitors after setting a sizeable pace, through sheer determination and stamina. He was well ahead of the chasing pack with 2km to go, with second placed Ethiopian Feyisa Lilesa and American Galen Rupp coming second and third consecutively. He finished the race in 2hrs 8minutes and 44seconds. Kenya’s performance in the Rio games was amazing as a whole, and they lead the way in African, with South Africa coming second.
Kenya had good results notably in the women’s categories, where Jemimah Sumgong led the way with a gold medal in the marathon. Faith Chepng’etich won the 1500m ahead of Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba, Vivian Cheruiyot caused an upset after overcoming favourite Almaz Ayana in the 5000m with Hellen Obiri coming second. Margaret Wambui won a bronze medal in the women’s 800m, with South Africa’s Caster Semenya winning the gold medal.
The men were not left behind, after posting good results too, with David Rudisha leading the way after an impressive 800m gold medal performance, which was rivalled by marathon winner Eliud Kipchoge. Conseslus Kipruto took over the mantle from Ezekiel Kemboi, winning the 3000m steeplechase. In the 400m hurdles, Kenya’s Boniface Mucheru won silver, after clocking a personal best of 47.78 seconds. Even though Asbel Kiprop failed to win the men’s 1500m race, the country’s reputation and athletics’ stronghold still stands strong.
Julius Yego had an impressive outing, after winning a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw. Even though he sustained an injury during the game, he still managed to cover 88.24m with his throw, behind German gold medalist Thomas Rohler who covered 90.30m with his throw. As the Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil conclude, attention shifts to Tokyo, Japan, where the next games will be held.
