Athletes who did the nation proud this year got their well-deserved dues at the Athletics Kenya (AK) Golden Gala in Nairobi on Wednesday night.
IAAF Athlete of the Year David Rudisha, marathon champion Samuel Wanjiru, 10km record holder Leonard Komon, 400 x 400m champion Mark Mutai and 10000m champion Grace Momanyi led the more than 50 stars to the big party.
Each gold medalist received a glittering trophy and a Sh30, 000 cash award. Current world record holders received Sh40, 000 with the coaches and team managers each receiving Sh20, 000.
Outstanding personalities
AK chairman Isaiah Kiplagat appreciated the excellent work by his athletes and urged them to continue working hard towards achieving more success in future.
“This is a sincere recognition and please appreciate it as such. It is also my prayer that teams in future will perform better and be recognised in next year’s event,” said Kiplagat.
Also awarded during the gala were outstanding personalities who have consistently participated towards the development of the sports in Kenya.
Kipchoge Keino, Paul Tergat, Catherine Ndereba, Tegla Lorupe, Edith Masai and Mercy Mbuko were among the beneficiaries.
Exemplary performance
Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim congratulated the athletes for bringing honour to the nation.
“Kindly accept my congratulations. It is however my appeal to all the federations’ officers to ensure you understand the needs of the athletes more so you can be able to serve them better,” Maalim said.
Rudisha was handed two gold medals from IAAF for his exemplary performance that saw him break two world records in Berlin and in Rieti, Italy, in August this year.
“I appreciate the recognition tonight both from Iaaf and AK for their support throughout the season. It has been a season of hard work and I am happy it has come to an end in a good way,” said Rudisha.
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