The heavy downpour witnessed in Alachua County, Gainesville, Florida, on the last day of the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships did not deter international walker Eric Sikuku from winning his second gold medal and Kenya’s fifth medal in the 10K race walk.

Sikuku, who had already made headlines by smashing the world record in the 3000m walk race on Friday, was a man on a mission. Determined to make history once again, he lined up for the 10K walk race, which saw participants from multiple age categories ranging from M35 to M59 compete in a combined event.

Despite falling in the M50 to 54 age bracket, Sikuku stole the show from his younger competitors, taking an early lead and maintaining his dominance throughout the race.

Just before he crossed the finish line, the heavens opened up once again, but the rain only added to the dramatic and triumphant moment as Sikuku secured his second gold with a time of 45:26.

An elated Sikuku expressed his satisfaction after the race, declaring that his mission had been accomplished. “Bagging two gold medals for Kenya is a great honor,” he said.

Earlier in the competition, Elizabeth Muthoka narrowly missed a podium finish in the 400m W50 category, finishing fourth.

The gold in that race went to Sweden’s Helen Hermundstad, who clocked an impressive 58.64 seconds, setting a new world record. Her compatriot Jenny Akervall secured silver, while the bronze medal went to Maurelhena Walles of the United States.

Overall, Team Kenya finished the championships with an impressive tally of five gold and three silver medals.

The World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships, which attracted 4,000 athletes from 98 countries, concluded on a high note. The Kenyan team is expected to return home on April 2nd, bringing pride and glory to the nation.

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