Once again, Kenyans were forced to rely on athletics for medals despite fielding athletes in six disciplines at the just concluded Olympic Games.
Kenya won 11 medals (four gold, two silver and five bronze). Beatrice Chebet was the toast of the games with two gold medals in 5000m and 10,000m while Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m) and Faith Kipyegon (1500m) also won gold.
Silver medallists were Kipyegon (5,000m), Ronald Kwemoi (men’s 5000m) and Mary Moraa (women’s 800m). Faith Cherotich (women’s 3000m SC), Abraham Kibiwot (men’s 3000m SC), Benson Kipruto (men’s marathon) and Hellen Obiri (women’s marathon) bagged bronze.
We can’t continue to do things the same way and expect different results. Over the years, we’ve talked of learning new lessons yet we never execute them in the subsequent events. We must make deliberate efforts to ensure we walk the talk.
We did not surpass the country’s best tally of six gold, four silver and six bronze medals from Beijing 2008—hence leaving no doubt about our inconsistency.
We all know that the secret behind winning more medals is through diversification and dedication to training.
This requires facilities and coaches and the government must ensure the two components are provided.
As a nation, we are doing badly in terms of facilities and we shouldn’t expect much if we can't invest.
For the first time, the boxing team failed to go to the Olympics. It is time to go back to the drawing board and do the right thing.
Quote of the day: “A harmful truth is better than a useful lie.”
Thomas Mann
The German novelist, short story writer, social critic, philanthropist and essayist died on August 12, 1955
