IAAF World Athletics Championships: Yego and Bett do Africa proud with unlikely gold

Yego of Kenya poses for photographs with the result board after winning gold at the men's javelin throw final with a world leading record of 92.72 metres, during the 15th IAAF World Championships at the National Stadium in Beijing

Kenya ventured into new territory at the just concluded IAAF World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China.

Julius Yego struck gold in javelin while Nicholas Bett won the 400m hurdles to end the 43-year-old drought for the race title in Africa.

The last time an African got the gold was at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany, when Uganda’s John Akii-Bua won.

Bett reacts after winning the men's 400 metres hurdles final at the 15th IAAF World Championships in Beijing

Eric Keter, the 1991 All Africa Games 400m hurdles champion, said Bett can still lower his personal best.

“This is a strong athlete. We only need to tap such talent and remain on top of the world in track and field,” said Keter.

Keter, who lives in Kabarusu village in Kericho County, is best remembered for finishing seventh in the World championships in Tokyo (1991), where he broke Gideon Yego’s national record of 48.70 seconds.

He also finished fifth at the World championships in Stuttgart, Germany (1993) to create a new national record of 48.28 seconds.

He added: “This boy (Bett) can run under 47.50 if only he got good training and serious management from Athletics Kenya in sprints. I am saying this for I know the challenges our athletes undergo. Imagine you go to court to represent Kenya even after qualifying.....I hope they will support him and other budding sprinters.”

On the other hand, Yego’s victory best exemplifies the huge talent in field events.

Coach Sammy Rono said it high time the Government invested in sprints and field events to nurture the pool of talent.

“These events need specialist coaches and the athletes need exposure to help them compete with the rest of the world,” said Rono.