Kenya has established itself as a global powerhouse in track and field events, particularly in middle- and long-distance running. Kenya made its Olympic debut at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne and has since become one of the most prominent nations in Olympic athletics.
The country has participated in every Summer Games since its debut, with the exception of the 1976 Montreal and 1980 Moscow Games, which it boycotted along with several other African nations due to political reasons. Kenya's Olympic achievements are overwhelmingly concentrated in track and field events.
Another notable development has been the rise of Kenyan women in Olympic competition. Increasingly, Kenya-born athletes are immigrating to compete in the Olympics for other countries, most notably Bahrain.
Kenya has more Olympic Medalists in long distance running than any other country. By the 1972 Munich Olympics, Kenyan athletes were now reknown.
The 2008 Olympics in Beijing were the best ever performance by Kenya. 4 silver and 4 bronze medals represented Kenyas medal haul.
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In the 2008 Olympics, Kenyan women started to perform just as well as the men. Pamela Jelimo set the world of athletics alight by running incredibly fast times in the 800m, culminating in her gold medal in the 800m at the 2008 Olympics. Janeth Jepkosegei was second. Nancy Lagat shocked everyone to win the women's 1500m at those same Olympics.
The 2011 World championships Kenyan women runners put on a spectacular show. They occupied the top four positions in the marathon and the 10,000m and the top two positions in the 5000m. The most notable performance was that of Vivian Cheruiyot who won both the 5000m and the 10,000m.
Kipchoge Keino, a legendary Kenyan runner.
One of the most heroic performances ever was
Keino v.Ryun.1500m.1968 Olympic Games,Mexico City
Kipchoge Keino and Ben Jipcho finished first and second in the steeplechase. He won a bronze in the 1500 meters.
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Another memorable performance was when John Ngugi won a gold medal in one of the most heroic performances ever. Kemboi gave performances to remember.
Illustrated" (December 21 1987). Prior to that, no Kenyan had won the world cross country championships. He won a gold medal.
Dominance at the World Championships
It must be said that Kenya has been the most consistent African country in the history of World Championships. They have always managed to put up a formidable performance, except for the first edition in Helsinki where they didn’t get to the medals table.
History was made at the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, as Kenya dominated the event, heading the medals table at the end of the nine-day championship. It was refreshing to see athletes of the east African country hold sway in their various events as the country finished ahead of the likes of world power USA as well as the number one sprinting nation in the world, Jamaica.
Kenya garnered a total of seven gold, six silver and three bronze medals. Some medals were expected; their first came from no other than Vivian Cheruiyot. She claimed the fourth World Championships title of her career, winning the women’s 10000m in 31:41.31. But others were upsets. Nicholas Bett cruised to victory in the men’s 400m hurdles.
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But this summer that was all forgotten (even the time they came 13th in Seville) as the country repositioned itself as one of the most respected nations in the world of track and field.
The brilliant outing by Kenya at the World Championships and other recent competitions has raised questions from several quarters, with pundits keen to work out the reasons behind their success.
Here is a summary of Kenya's performance at the 2015 IAAF World Championships:
| Medal | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gold | 7 |
| Silver | 6 |
| Bronze | 3 |
Factors Behind the Success
Kenyan sports journalist Evelyn Watta is of the view that most of the athletes are doing well because of a simple formula of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
‘Kenyan athletes didn’t receive more funding. The facilities have not improved since Africa 2010 hosted in Nairobi. In fact some facilities are even in an worse state.
‘Kenyan coaches are yet to go scientific in their training.
‘However, the sprinters had a new coach Geoffrey Kimani attached to the team for the World Championships.
‘If you look back in the 1970s and ’80s, we had sprinters who were formidable. Then there came a big lull because all the agents and coaches naturally showed an interest in the long-distance runners.
Watta also adds that the pair has made a name as a result of their personal sacrifice. ‘These athletes have been successful because of their own self drive and self belief.
‘Interestingly both are managed by a Finnish manager who picked them out after the successes in continental championships. Certainly, their successes have spurred interest locally on the non-traditional events.
Kenyan athletes celebrating their achievements.
Doping Allegations
However, one thing has cast a shadow over their dominance: the doping allegations that have dogged Athletics Kenya in the past few years. In the last three years, more than 30 Kenyans have failed drugs tests.
In the last three years, more than 30 Kenyans have failed drugs tests, including Rita Jeptoo, a three-time Boston Marathon champion who tested positive for the blood-boosting agent erythropoietin (EPO). She was subsequently banned for two years.
Future Outlook
In spite of the seeming success in Beijing, Kenya Athletics Federation President Isaiah Kiplagat was quick to emphasise that the country is yet to attain the status of perennial leaders, the USA, or Jamaica.
Kiplagat said, ‘It takes a lot of resources and time to bring up a single sprint or field event athlete. What we have seen in Beijing World Championships is just tip of the iceberg in terms of talent blooming.
“It will celebrate the country’s history, heritage and excellence across disciplines, geography and communities.
Stephens, 75, spoke passionately about Kenya’s unexploited potential in the sprints. “We need to start the children off at an early age. I started athletics at the age of five when I was at kindergarten in Mombasa. That is why I want to urge Athletics Kenya and coaches to cast their nets wider.
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