The Olympic bronze medalist Edwin Soi emerged winner of the men’s 10,000 meters title at the 11th County Track and Field Championships in Kericho County clocking 29 minutes and 12 seconds.
The County Tournament that was held at Kericho Green Stadium brought together 400 athletes from all six Sub-counties in Kericho County.
Soi now qualifies to represent Kericho County in the upcoming Regional Track and Field championships on 10th June 2023 in Narok County.
Speaking to the media, Soi whose ten-year career in athletics gave him an edge at the tournament said his win motivated the upcoming athletes to also work hard in training so as to emerge to break records in the future.
“I am also preparing for the Bogota marathon that will take place on 30th July 2023 in Colombia,” said Soi.
Meanwhile, Emily Chebet remained undefeated clocking 33 minutes 40 seconds to emerge the winner in the women’s 10,000 meters race.
“I am so grateful to my trainers and the County government for the support and the advice they have offered me and I promise to always be on the front lead in raising our county flag and our Kenya flag at large,’’ said Chebet
Seven teams participated in the 11th County and Field Championships courtesy of the Kericho County Government, the six teams came from the six Sub-Counties including; Kipkelion West, Kipkelion East, Belgut, Ainamoi, Soin/Sigowet, and Bureti the seventh team constituted the athletes from the Multinational Tea Estates.
During an interview with Kenya News Agency, the Kericho County ICT, Sports, Gender and Youth Affairs County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Daniel Rop urged the youths to redirect their energy to sports and meaningful activities and avoid idols which in most cases leads to drug use and abuse.
“We want to do a talent search to identify our youths and talented Paralympics athletes so that we can mature them and see how they can use these talents for economic gains,” said Rop
He said the sports tournament was an excellent opportunity for young and talented athletes to excel and become champions in sports and in life, relying on strength, persistence, and the desire to achieve great goals through clean and healthy training.
By Marion Chepkorir and Monica Irua
