Two-time Africa champion, Regina Mulatya is over the moon after setting two records at the just concluded Africa Masters Athletics Championships in Pretoria, South Africa.
Mulatya set records in the long and triple jump events. She won the long jump with a jump of 5.60m and covered a record distance of 11.58m in the triple jump. The previous marks in the two events were 5.47m (long jump) and 11.28m (triple jump).
“This was my best outing ever. Winning two gold medals with two African records was just amazing. I am speechless,” said Mulatya.
Competing in the 45-49 years category, the 47-year-old said she wanted to set records that would last for many years before transitioning into the next cadre in a few years.
“These records are good but I wanted to take a few more metres from the previous marks. I wanted to make it difficult for others who will come after me,” said Mulatya. The World Masters Championships Gothenburg, Sweden in August 2024.
A Kenyan delegation of 10 athletes won a total of 20 gold medals and four silver medals to finish second behind South Africa.
Head of the delegation, Rose Tata said they wanted to send 15 athletes and five officials to the event but due to financial constraints, the Ministry of Sports offered to take only 10 athletes and three officials.
“As much as we had planned to send a bigger delegation, budgetary constraints forced us to cut down on the numbers. I am, however, happy that even with the small number, we managed to pull off good results," she noted.
She thanked the Ministry of Sports for the support, noting that she was happy the athletes had reciprocated the gesture with a good collection of medals.
The 50-year-old Priscilla Biwott, who was the oldest athlete, won double gold medals in the 5,000m (21:15.58) and 4,000m (19:30.35).
Other gold medalists were —Abednego Chesebe—41 years (400m-52.98 and 800m-1:57.04); Sylvia Chesebe Chematui— 36 years (800m- 2:07.54 and 400m-56:18); Geoffrey Tere-46 years (800m-2:01.84 and 1,500m- 4:19.12): Mercy Kiptoo- 39 years (400m-15:25,42, 4,000m-15:25.42 and 5,000m-18:25.58); Elizabeth Muthoka- 49 years (400m- 1:03.01); Kenneth Mburu Mungara—50 years (6,000m-21:14.60 and 5,000m-32:46.13); Rebecca Kerubo— 41 years (hammer throw-45.47m and weight throw-15.24m); Erick Shikuku— 49 years (5,000m race walk-22:10.16 and 10,000m race walk-46:03.80).
Silver medalists: Rebecca Kerubo— 41 years (shot put-9.38m); Linda Saina— 51 years (100m-14.69 and 200m- 31:26) and Elizabeth Muthoka—45 years (200m 27:18).
