During the Tuesday afternoon session, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula led Members of Parliament in celebrating the achievements of Team Kenya athletes who participated in the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics.
Speaker Wetangula directed MPs to show their appreciation by thumping their feet for one minute, recognizing the athletes’ outstanding performances at the 30th edition of the Summer Games.
Speaker Wetangula praised the athletes’ efforts as heroic, stating, “The sterling performance by the Kenyan athletes at the Paris Olympics marked an improvement from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With a total of 11 medals, this achievement earned Kenya the 17th position among over 180 nations and placed us at the top of the list of African countries. Our athletes have demonstrated their ability to set world records.”
The Speaker also celebrated individual achievements, highlighting the accomplishments of Beatrice Chebet, Faith Kipyegon, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi.
“Honorable Members, it is worth noting that Ms. Faith Kipyegon, who served as the team captain, made history by becoming the first athlete ever to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 1500 meters. No human being, male or female, has achieved that level of success.”
He continued, “Notably, Ms. Beatrice Chebet secured Olympic gold in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters and Emmanuel Wanyonyi, at just 20 years old, won the gold medal in the 800 meters.”
Kenya secured a total of 11 medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics: 4 golds, 2 silvers, and 5 bronzes. However, this edition will be remembered as one of the most drama-filled Olympics for Team Kenya.
The drama began early when Amos Serem, competing in the 3000m steeplechase, was nudged and fell during the race. Although he appealed and was granted a spot in the finals, Serem was unable to secure a podium finish.
The tension continued when Faith Kipyegon nearly lost her 5000m silver medal after being disqualified for brushing shoulders with Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay. Fortunately, her appeal was successful, and the silver medal was reinstated. Kipyegon went on to win the 1500m final, setting an Olympic best in the process.
In a surprising turn of events, Kenya’s marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, for the first time in his illustrious career, failed to complete the 42km race, ceding his marathon throne to the Ethiopians. Despite this setback, Kipchoge’s compatriot Benson Kipruto managed to round out the podium, earning one of Kenya’s five bronze medals.
The team returned home on Monday night, having successfully conquered the African continent at the Paris Olympics, cementing Kenya’s place as a dominant force in athletics.
ALSO READ: AFC Leopards set to honour season’s best with five prestigious awards
