Athletes now warned over reckless relationships

Former Olympic 800m silver medallist Janeth Jepkosgei addressing athletes in Kapsabet, Nandi County on November 7, 2024. [Courtesy]

Upcoming athletes in Nandi County have been cautioned against reckless relationships that derail their promising careers.

According to 2008 Olympic 800m silver medallist Janeth Jepkosgei, the industry is rife with unscrupulous individuals who prey on young athletes and trick them into relationships.

“Male athletes are also going through a lot. We have a lot of women here in Kapsabet who are not really runners but pretend to be, to get close to these male athletes. We also have cases where female athletes have fallen victims to men posing as coaches or fellow athletes but with the intention of sucking them dry of their hard-earned monies,” Jepkosgei said.

The 2007 World 800m champion further lamented the breakdown in family values, noting cases where ‘coaches’ are getting into relationships with athletes young enough to be their daughters whereas older women are hunting down male runners.

Jepkosgei was speaking at a forum organised by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), Athletics Kenya, Equity Bank and supported by the State Departments of Gender the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

The week-long forum deliberated with athletes across the country on the causes of GBV and proposed solutions as well as financial literacy.

Jepkosgei further warned young athletes against disrespecting their parents and elders once they taste fame that comes with money.

She was among speakers at an engagement forum with athletes in Kapsabet on Thursday.

“Even with all that I have achieved, there are people who when they correct me, I take it seriously and listen to their advice. Do not think that making money or becoming famous gives you the license to now look down on your parents and not listen to what they say,” she said.

AK’s chief administrative officer Susan Kamau urged athletes to utilise the reporting mechanisms for eradicating GBV.

“As part of our reporting mechanism, we have a hotline and chatbot to help report cases of GBV. Make sure you provide information that is accurate. Do not suffer in silence. Riadha House is open for you.” Kamau said. 

Viridiana Wasike, NGAAF’s director of fund management, said the spirit athletes exhibit in pursuit of medals is the same one required for the fight against GBV.