Roncer Kipkorir and Edwin Too have won Kenya its first medals at the ongoing African Championships in Douala, Cameroon. Kipkorir, competing in the men’s 10,000m, had to dig deep in an Ethiopian-dominated race to achieve a podium place.
The Kenyan clocked 28:59.94, finishing behind the Ethiopian duo of Nibrat Melak and Gemechu Dida, who claimed gold and silver with times of 28:52.26 and 28:52.78, respectively.
The race was fiercely contested, with Kipkorir fending off strong competition from his compatriots Joseph Kiptum and Francis Abong. Kiptum and Abong finished in fourth and fifth places, adding depth to Kenya’s strong showing in the event.
Kipkorir’s journey to the African Championships began with an impressive performance at the national championships, which also served as trials for the event. He clocked 28:33.00 to win the national race, ahead of Joseph Kiptum, who finished second with a time of 28:34.00.
Stanley Njihia completed the podium with a time of 28:34.70. However, Njihia did not compete in Cameroon and was replaced by Abong.
Meanwhile, Edwin Too showcased his prowess in the men’s decathlon, securing a bronze medal. Too’s performance in this grueling event highlighted his versatility and determination.
Competing across ten different track and field disciplines, Too’s all-around athletic ability was on full display as he fought hard to secure his place on the podium.
In the women’s 5000m on Friday, no Kenyan made it to the podium as Ethiopians claimed the gold and silver medals.
Fantaye Belayneh won the race, with Rebecca Mwangi being the first Kenyan to cross the finish line, ultimately settling for fourth place. Mwangi narrowly missed out on a podium position in a closely contested race.
Despite the athletic successes, the African Championships have been marred by organizational issues. Athletes have voiced concerns about poor transportation and accommodation arrangements, which have impacted their performance and overall experience.
Some prominent African athletes, including Mariee Jose Ta Lou-Smith and Letsile Tebogo, have made early exits from the event due to these challenges.
South Africa’s US-based sprinter, Shaun Maswanganyi, expressed frustration with the event’s organization, citing health risks due to his allergies not being accommodated.
These logistical problems have overshadowed the athletic achievements, with athletes and officials calling for better management in future events.
Nevertheless, the performances of Kipkorir and Too have brought pride to Kenya, demonstrating the country’s strength in athletics. Their medals are a testament to their hard work and determination, setting a positive tone for the rest of the Kenyan team competing in Douala.
As the African Championships continue, the focus will remain on the athletes’ performances, but the organizational issues cannot be ignored. The success of the championships depends not only on the athletes’ achievements but also on the quality of the event’s management.
With athletes like Kipkorir and Too leading the way, there is hope that the Kenyan team will continue to shine, even in the face of adversity.
Kipkorir’s and Too’s achievements are inspiring their teammates and country, showcasing the resilience and talent of Kenyan athletes. As the championships progress, Kenya will be looking to build on this early success and overcome the challenges posed by the event’s organization.
The dedication and skill displayed by Kipkorir and Too are a promising sign for the future of Kenyan athletics on the continental stage.
Source : Pulse Sports, Kenya
