World Cross Country champion and world 5km record holder Beatrice Chebet has been named the December 2023 Sports Journalists Association of Kenya/ LG Personality of the Month.
This comes after the 23-year-old cruised to victory in the Cursa dels Nassos road race in Barcelona, Spain on December 31, clocking a time of 14:13 to break the 5km world record of 14:19, previously held by Ejgayehu Taye of Ethiopia.
Chebet claimed her third SJAK award with the most recent being in February 2023 following her World Cross Country title-winning display in Bathurst, Australia, on February 18.
She went on to express her joy for winning yet another award, jokingly adding that if she continued on her record-breaking stint, she may stop shopping in her house.
“I am very excited about winning my third Sports Personality of the Month award and I want to thank LG and SJAK for recognising my efforts,” said Chebet.
“I have already won three products from these awards and I think if I continue winning my races and setting new records I may have to stop doing shopping in my house.”
She will not rest on her laurels though, with 2024 being a packed season.
Retaining the World Cross title, winning the 5,000m Olympic title and breaking another world record are top of her agenda.
The World Cross Country Championships is slated for March 30 in Belgrade, Serbia, while the Paris Olympic Games is scheduled for July 26- August 11.
In winning the December award, Chebet, a National Police Service officer, struck an LG washing machine.
SJAK president James Waindi lauded Chebet for her achievements and LG Electronics for their continued support.
“Chebet’s record-breaking 5km victory in Barcelona on the last day of 2023 was the highlight of the year. Her journey to glory has been one of determination, dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Waindi.
“Her record-breaking performance not only showcases her incredible talent but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes around the world,” said LG Electronics’ Dongwon Lee.
Chebet struck seven votes to beat tennis sensation Angela Okutoyi by just one.
Okutoyi had a stellar show at the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour at the Nairobi Club on December 18.
Okutoyi won both the singles and doubles titles outclassing German’s Lena Papadakis 6-4 1-6 1-6 in the singles before later joining hands with Burundian Sada Nahimama to beat USA’s Jesse Aney/Papadakis 6-4 3-6 10-7 in the doubles.
Juniors Stars’ midfielder Aldrine Kibet tallied three votes after scoring three goals as the national team reached the final of the Cecafa U-18 Championships at Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, where they lost 2-1 to Uganda.
Basketball player Natalie Akinyi got two votes after steering Kenya Lionesses to the 3×3 Africa Cup title in Cairo, Egypt.
She sank a three-point buzzer-beater to upset the hosts 21-20. The team booked a ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games universality-driven qualifiers set for Japan in May.
Gladys Chillo of Nairobi Water handball team was also recognised after scoring more than 30 goals as the team retained the East and Central Africa Clubs Championship title at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
She was voted the tournament’s best left-back. Other nominees are Nairobi City Stars goalkeeper Edwin Mukolwe, Gor Mahia forward Benson Omalla, rally driver Baldev Chager, KPA’s Medina Okot, Kabras’ Derrick Ashiundu, Ulinzi Stars forward Boniface Muchiri and Junior Stars’ Collins Ochieng.