So over the weekend, the Olympics was officially launched in Tokyo Japan, but we have already started seeing changes in the world. The opening ceremony was only graced by competitors, Journalists and security officers fans were not allowed in the stadium so they gathered outside. However, not all of them came in support some came to protest for allowing the competitions despite the Corona Virus Pandemic but that is to be expected.
Kenya started participating in the Olympics in 1956 and has participated in the Summer Olympics ever since. This year we have to experience so many firsts and the country is sending the largest number of representatives to the Olympics. As in so many years, the country pushed for equal gender representation, and we have seen that more females have been represented in this year’s Olympics. The country did not also miss to show their pomp and colour in the opening ceremony as they adorned the Maasai regalia clearly showing the warriors they are and that they did not only come to participate but to compete.
The government has also increased the numbers of those going to Toky,o including Nutritionists and Scientists, to ensure the team’s pure success. Sports for best results have been merged with science that is exactly what is happening, this is the first time this is happening we hope in the years to come this will continue happening.
We have to also realize that Kenya is a giant in the track events, characters such as Kemboi, Jelimo, Rudisha, and the legend Eliud Kipchoge have made sure that is. Kenya sent out 40 athletes to the competitions, a formidable squad including world record holder Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei. Hellen Obiri is looking to secure a double in the 5000metres and 10000metres races.
However, some notable names such as 1,500m world champion Timothy Cheruiyot and defending Olympics 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto after both failed to win their trials clearly showing that the younger generation is taking over. Ferdinand Omanyala also set out a new national record in the 100m [10.02 secs] is set to represent Kenya this races that Kenya is not so popular in, a year of firsts I said. We hope the Kenyan team will bring the best and that they will give them the proper environment to bring the best back home. I hope this year-round we will not hear of competitors sleeping hungry and not having hotel rooms to spend.
Kenya has also been represented by both the Men’s and Women’s rugby teams the women’s volleyball teams, swimmers. We wish them the best in Tokyo let them bring the medals back home.
