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Late Kelvin Kiptum and Faith Kipyegon were honored as Kenya's top athletes at SOYA Gala, celebrating historic feats in athletics.
The late world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and double world record holder Faith Kipyegon were celebrated as Kenya's top athletes at the poignant 20th edition of the Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) Gala, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
In a ceremony that paid tribute to their remarkable achievements, Kiptum was posthumously awarded the Sportsman of the Year, while Kipyegon clinched the Sportswoman of the Year Award for the third consecutive year.
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08:00 - 02.03.2024
ATHLETICS Omanyala misses podium as Coleman triumphs over Lyles in World Indoor Championships 60m final
Coleman won the 60m final at the World Indoor Championships, defeating Lyles, while Omanyala narrowly missed a podium spot.
The gala honored the duo for their historic feats in the world of athletics, including breaking world records in their respective disciplines.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, visibly moved during the announcement, expressed the nation's collective wish that Kiptum could have been there to accept his award.
"This is a difficult one. How I wish he was here to pick this accolade himself," Namwamba said, highlighting the bittersweet nature of the occasion.
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21:32 - 01.03.2024
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Athletes from different regions will descend on the course at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru on Saturday ready to showcase their skills and cut tickets to the World Cross-country Championships.
Kiptum's legacy was celebrated just a week after he was laid to rest, following a tragic road accident on February 11 that also claimed the life of his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
Despite his untimely passing, Kiptum's impact on marathon running was undeniable.
Within a span of 10 months, he revolutionized the sport, setting three of the fastest times in marathon history.
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18:09 - 01.03.2024
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His record-breaking run at the London Marathon, where he finished in 2:01:25, and his astonishing performance in October, shattering the world record with a time of 2:00:35, were particularly highlighted.
Kiptum's achievements not only broke records but also set a new standard in marathon running, making him the first man to complete a marathon in under two hours and one minute.
In his absence, the award was accepted by former world marathon record holder Patrick Makau, who received it on behalf of Kiptum's grieving family.
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17:35 - 01.03.2024
ATHLETICS Vivian Chebet advance to 800m semis at World Indoor Championships
Vivian Chebet has advanced to the 800m semi-finals at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, shining as Kenya's sole representative.
The women's category saw Kipyegon triumph over formidable competitors, including 5km world record holder Beatrice Chebet and world 800m champion Mary Moraa.
Kipyegon's year was defined by her unparalleled success in breaking three world records in the 1500m, the 5,000m, and the mile.
Although her 5,000m record was later surpassed, Kipyegon's achievements, including her unprecedented double victory in the 1,500m and 5,000m at the World Championships in Budapest, underscored her dominance in middle-distance running.
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19:17 - 01.03.2024
ATHLETICS No Kenyans in sight as 800m semifinal lineup at World Indoor Championships misses national heroes
Kenyan representatives have missed 800m semifinal at World Indoor Championships despite strong performances and season bests.
The SOYA Gala also celebrated team achievements, with the national women’s 3x3 basketball team taking home the Women’s Team of the Year Award.
Their victory at the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup in Cairo was a testament to their skill and dedication.
The Malkia Strikers, Kenya's national women’s volleyball team, were runners-up, honored for winning their tenth African Nations Volleyball Championships title in Cameroon.
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15:19 - 01.03.2024
ATHLETICS Kipchoge describes Kiptum death as 'unfortunate' ahead of Tokyo Marathon
Marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge has described the death of World record holder Kelvin Kiptum as "unfortunate" ahead of the 2024 Tokyo edition on Sunday.
The Roll Ball national team was recognized as well for defending their World Cup title with a 5-0 victory over Egypt in Pune, India.
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