'Let's vote for them' - Murkomen makes rallying call to voters to consider trio picked for 2024 global award

'Let's vote for them' - Murkomen makes rallying call to voters to consider trio picked for 2024 global award

Evans Ousuru 21:00 - 21.10.2024

The week-long voting process is expected to end on October 27, paving way for the winners to be announced

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has paid glowing tribute to the three Kenyan athletes nominated for the 2024 Track Athlete of the Year Award.

Three-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon is among the 12 athletes (six in each category) nominated for the prestigious award alongside Beatrice Chebet and Emmanuel Wanyonyi.

Kipyegon claimed 1500m gold medal in the Paris Olympic Games as well as silver in 5000m. She will be hoping to retain her title after winning it in 2023.

Beatrice Chebet grabbed double gold in 5000m and 10000m also in Paris to crown a fruitful year for the 24-year-old who became the third woman in history to win both events at the same Olympic games. She is also the world record holder in 10000m.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi, 20, led Kenya to gold in 800m and is also the Diamond League champion over the distance. Wanyonyi will have to starve off stiff competition from last year's winner American sprinter Noah Lyles who is among the six male nominees.

Murkomen, who took over the Sports Ministry from Ababu Namwamba, said Kenyans need to vote for the trio based on their achievements.

"Congratulations, Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet, on your nomination for the Female Track Athlete of the Year award, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi for the Male Track Athlete of the Year award, by @WorldAthletics.

You have had a great season this year with the highlight of your achievements being the gold medals you won for our great nation at the 2024 Paris Olympics, world records and season’s best times. Let's vote for them!"

The week-long voting exercise is expected to end on October 27 paving way for the winners to be announced.