Ferdinand Omanyala and Jackline Chepkoech received top awards after breaking the records at the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, England.
The duo were awarded during the Commomnwealth gala held in Eldoret on Thursday night, winning the breaking records awards.
Speaking at the occasion, Outgoing Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture & Heritage, Dr. Ambassador Amina Mohamed praised the athletes for their stellar performance at the games and the organisation as whole from the kenyan contingent.
“Congratulations Team Kenya, you did this country and the whole continent proud. Kenya is the Home of Champions and you have proved that once again. The medals won in Birmingham signal were a validation for country as we continue to invest in the next generation to carry the national torch to bigger and better achievements,” said Mohamed
She added “As the government, we wanted to ensure the team got the required backing to excel at the games. So, we put in place a robust plan and measures to increase the team’s performance levels and I can confidently say we reaped the fruits not only for now but future competitions. We hope this will be a benchmark for the future as we look to progress even further as a sporting destination”.
On his part, NOCK President Dr. Paul Tergat said:
“We are here to celebrate Team Kenya and their excellent performance as we see all medals represented here. We thank you athletes, for your sacrifice, the sweat and tears you put into this competition. You have done us proud. We thank the Government and our sponsors like Tusker for the continued support. I believe the athletes are beaming with confidence for the next challenge and I’m certain even a better showing lies ahead for that tournament”
Other former athletes in attendance who received awards included; Legend Kipchoge Keino, Kenya’s first female Olympian, Tecla Chemwabai and there was a moment of silence for the late Sabina Chebichii, the first woman to win a medal at the Commonwealth games
Kenya was ranked 14th during the tournament after collecting 21 medals at the games. Several of the athletes now switch gears to Olympics Games in Paris in 2024 with Kenya expected to raise a strong travelling contingent for the global tournament
Gala awards
Special awards
1. Tecla Sang
2. Sabina Chebichii
Bronze medalist
1. Kibiwott Kandie- 10,000m
2. Amos Serem- 3,000m steeplechase
3. Micahel Githae- marathon
4. Sheila Chepkirui- 10,000m
5. Emily Ngii- 20km walk
6. Selah Bushienei- 5,000m
7. Julius Yego- javelin
8. Jacob Krop- 5,000m
9. 4x400m men
10. Hellen Wawira- Weightlifter
Silver
1. Timothy Cheruiyot- 1,500m
2. Daniel Ebenyo Simiu- 10,000m
3. Irene Cheptai- 10,000m
4. Margaret Muriuki- marathon
5. Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli- 5,000m
Gold
1. Wycliffe Kinyamal- 800m
2. Mary Moraa- 800m
3. Beatrice Chebet- 5,000m
4. Jackline Chepkoech- 3,000m steeplechase
5. Ferdinand Omanyala- 100m