In 2024, Kenya’s sports personalities will be under the spotlight as they vie for glory in the Olympics and other prestigious international events.
Let’s take a closer look at the key Sports Personalities figures whose performances will be closely monitored as they embark on their quests for success.
1. Faith Kipyegon
Faith Kipyegon had a remarkable 2023, breaking world records in the 1500m, one mile, and 5,000m. The 29-year-old runner secured two World Championship gold medals and claimed her fourth Diamond League trophy.
Looking ahead to 2024, Kipyegon aims to make history at the Paris Olympics by pursuing a third consecutive gold medal in the 1500m. Additionally, she is set to compete in the Diamond League, seeking further success on the track. She will be surely one of the players to watch.
2. Ferdinand Omanyala
Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, hinted at skipping the Kip Keino Classic in 2024 and confirmed his absence from the All-Africa Games.
With the Paris Olympics as his main focus, Omanyala outlined a strategic plan for the 2024 season. He intends to start with the World Indoor Tour, leading to the World Indoor Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Subsequently, he will participate in the Diamond League, culminating in his Olympic campaign. Omanyala’s decision to reduce his event participation is geared towards optimal preparation for the Olympics, with the support of experienced sprint coach Geoffrey Kimani.
3. Eliud Kipchoge
Eliud Kipchoge, renowned as one of the greatest marathon runners, faced challenges at the 2023 Boston Marathon but rebounded at the Berlin Marathon, securing a record fifth victory.
His marathon world record was surpassed in October 2023, and Kipchoge remains a dominant force in the sport.
He has confirmed his participation in the 2024 Tokyo Marathon and is part of the provisional Kenyan marathon squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Heading to the Olympics, Kipchoge seeks a three-peat, anticipating stiff competition from runners like Kelvin Kiptum and Joshua Cheptegei. The upcoming year holds high stakes for Kipchoge as he aims to continue his legacy on the marathon stage.
4. Faith Cherotich
Faith Cherotich emerged as a rising star in 2023, securing the prestigious 2023 World Athletics Women’s Rising Star Award, recognizing her as the top U20 athlete of the year.
Notable among her achievements was a bronze medal in the fiercely contested 3000m steeplechase event at the World Championships.
Cherotich’s stellar performance also earned her the second position on the world U20 all-time list, clocking an impressive time of 8:59.65.
Her versatility was evident with a commendable fourth-place finish at the World Cross Country Championships in the U20 category.
The award is poised to be a source of inspiration as Cherotich sets her sights on the 2024 campaign. Her goals include Olympic qualification and participation in the Games, marking the next chapter in her promising career.
5. Angela Okutoyi
Angela Okutoyi made headlines in July by becoming Kenya’s first ITF World Tennis Tour singles tournament winner at the ITF W15 event in Monastir, Tunisia.
She continued her success on home soil in December, securing her first ITF W25 title by defeating Germany’s former world number 250, Lena Papadakis.
At just 19 years old, Okutoyi aspires to follow in the footsteps of her tennis idol, Serena Williams, with dreams of qualifying for the Olympics. As 2024 unfolds, Okutoyi is poised to build on her accomplishments, positioning herself as a notable athlete to watch.
6. Benson Omalla
Benson Omalla, a striker for Gor Mahia, continues to dominate as the leading scorer in the FKF Premier League after 16 rounds of the campaign.
Despite a goal drought in the last three league matches, Omalla remains a strong contender for the Golden Boot, maintaining hopes of clinching the award this season.
In the previous season, he secured second place behind Elvis Rupia, tallying 26 goals to Rupia’s 27. Omalla has also made an impact on the international stage by scoring on his Harambee Stars debut, signaling potential to follow in the footsteps of renowned strikers like Michael Olunga who have represented Gor Mahia.
7. Kelvin Kiptum
Kelvin Kiptum had a stellar 2023, breaking the men’s marathon world record and setting his sights on running the first sub-two-hour marathon in Rotterdam.
His remarkable achievements include a record-breaking win at the Chicago Marathon and a victory at the London Marathon with the second-fastest time ever recorded at the time.
Pre-selected for the Kenyan team at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Kiptum anticipates a potential showdown with Eliud Kipchoge, aiming to shine on the Olympic stage.
8. Patrick Odongo
Patrick Odongo emerged as a standout Sports Personalities-performer during Kenya 7s’ debut in the Africa Men’s 7s, notably making two crucial tries in the finals against South Africa, securing a 17-12 victory and Olympic qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
His exceptional performance earned him the SJAK Sports Personality of the Month award, marking the first time a rugby player received this honor in the year.
Maintaining his form, Odongo contributed to winning the Safari 7s with the team and has impressed with Daystar Falcons in the KRU Championship season.
As a Championship player excelling on the national stage, Odongo looks forward to shining in international competitions such as the World Challenger and the Olympics in 2024.
9. Emmanuel Wanyonyi
Emmanuel Wanyonyi earned the 2023 Men’s Rising Star Award, a well-deserved recognition following his exceptional performance throughout the season. At just 19 years old, he claimed the silver medal in the World Championships for the 800m, became a Diamond League champion, and achieved victories in Rabat, Paris, and Xiamen.
Wanyonyi demonstrated his versatility by contributing to the success of the World Cross Country mixed relay championship team.
As Wanyonyi looks ahead to 2024, he will have the opportunity to build on his success as the upcoming year holds the promise of additional accolades.
10. Mercy Moim
Mercy Moim was among the Sports Personalities who played a crucial role in Malkia Strikers’ triumph in the Africa Cup of Nations. Moim, a seasoned player and the team’s captain earned recognition as the Best Outside Hitter of the tournament. Her powerful hits and leadership qualities were a driving force behind the team’s success.
She was named in the Cup Nations team as Kenya qualified for the Olympics. 2024 she is expected to lead from the front as Kenya chases Olympics glory.
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