Double Olympic Games marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and former world 5,000m champion Benjamin Limo are optimistic that team Kenya at this year’s World Championships in Budapest, Hungary will win more medals.
Kipchoge said that the wall is a big motivation for the team that has travelled to Budapest for world championships set to kick off tomorrow in the Hungarian Capital.
“It is a coincidence that the president is launching the Wall Of Fame, where some athletes, whose names appear here, are in team Kenya. The team will be motivated for more medals away in Budapest,” said Kipchoge adding that it gives more energy to them that they are being celebrated at home by the government.
Limo, the only gold medalist in the 5,000m world championships held in Helsinki, Finland in 2005 was optimistic that the current crop of athletes will win gold in the 5,000m.
The athletes, who competed at the ChapaBet 5km road race on Tuesday won by former world cross country champion Irene Cheptai and Peter Mwaniki were all present to witness the unveiling structures mounted at the newly built Eldoret Arboretum located along Eldoret-Iten Road approximately 2km from the Central Business District.
Since Limo won the title 18 years ago, no Kenyan has won gold but he believes the current athletes have the power to do so.
“When I look at the runners I see gold. The 5,000m race I am sure that Kenya will get a gold,” said Limo.
The 5,000m consists of Nicholas Kimeli, Jacob Krop, Daniel Simiu and Cornelius Kemboi.
Former Africa champion Chemabwai said that they have been advocating for the county for this idea.
“We cannot be a city of champions and lack a Wall of fame. When I came and saw my name on it, I was so happy and grateful and as we continue, more things will come,” she said.
William Tanui, said he was happy to see his name engraved on the wall which is good for the retired athletes in so many areas.
“Now that we have started with the county government, it may move to the national government. This recognition is good,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ChapaBet Chief Executive Officer George Omondi said he was proud to sponsor the 5Km Run, partnering and underlines their unwavering commitment to nurturing local sports, fostering emerging talent, and championing grassroots initiatives that embody the spirit of community and collaboration.
“We believe in the power of sports to unite communities, inspire individuals, and create a positive impact on society. Athletics hold a special place in ChapaBet’s heart, and the company is particularly passionate about promoting this discipline. With Kenya’s rich history in producing world-class runners and athletes, it recognizes the potential of athletics to inspire and uplift the nation,” he said.