Kenya's untapped talent that can give us more medals in Olympics

There are a lot of untapped talents which could be harnessed to earn Kenya more medals in games such as Olympics. Kenya did well as expected despite the many challenges the athletes faced as they represented our country.

Next Olympics is in four years’ time. Perhaps team Kenya can start preparing right especially in those games which we do not participate. Julius Yego has done this country proud by not just representing but also winning medals in javelin- a sport that Kenya is not known for.

A lot of natural talents are being wasted simply because maybe we do not know that they are competitive and can earn us medals or we just assume that is not our “thing”.

Having religiously watched the Olympics I realized that we can tap into the following:

1. High jump

Whoever coined the phrase “ruka kimaasai” saw how high the Maasai morans can jump. All they need maybe is someone to convince them that money could be earned by just jumping.

2. Archery

As a young girl in the village, just the mention of a Maasai guard was enough to scare people away from premises which were guarded by Maasais. Rumor has it that they are so good at using the bows and arrows. However, I am yet to see even one of them participate in archery. I think there is great potential there for Kenya to earn more medals.

3. Shot put and discuss

It is no secret that Luos are the best stone throwers in this country. Instead of throwing stones after losing a game or during demonstrations, they should practice how to throw discuss and shot put. Who knows more medals for team Kenya could be earned. This is the time they should prove to us just how good they are at this game. Let them conquer the world with this unique talent.

4. Cycling

A man cycled all the way from Bungoma to Turkana just to watch his favorite team play. If he is given a chance of representing Kenya in Olympics or any other championships and make a living out of, imagine just what he can do.

5. Short distance races

Growing up in western Kenya exposed me to myths about night runners. One of them is that no matter his or her size, they can outrun Usain Bolt. How true that statement is can only be proven only if they are trained to focus on the medal. Probably, such races should only take place at night when they are inactive mode. We do not want to lose the medal because of time factor.

6. Judo, boxing and wrestling

I have a problem with men and women who publicly fight over men and women or even domestic issues. But in this I will fully support and cheer them for team Kenya. This energy should be harnessed and men and women in this category should be encouraged to participate in such events when they are angry probably because of a cheating spouse.

7. Water sports

People from the coastal region need to rethink about their income strategy. They should also rely on other means apart from fishing and maybe tourism. They should participate in games such as swimming, canoeing and such like to boost the Kenyan medal standings in the next Olympics. I will not advocate the Luos to participate in these sports because they are likely to start fishing rather than compete.