Konchellah’s son makes triumphant return to Narok

By Mutwiri Mutuota

It does not matter whether it is spotted, adopts an oryx or even chews grass. As long it is a sibling of a lion, it remains a lion to the eyes of the pride.

A community where the ‘King of the Jungle’ is revered turned out in large numbers to fete one of their own who scaled the highest heights of his sport during August’s World Championships in Berlin.

Yusuf Saad Kamel, born Gregory Konchellah, made an emotional return to Narok, his birthplace, to a rousing welcome after his shocking triumph in 1,500m and claiming bronze in 800m days later marking him among top performers of the 12th Worlds.

"They were very happy to see me and threw me a huge party and it’s been a great time for me for the days I have been in Narok," the runner who spurned the chance to compete for his nation of birth earlier this year to remain with his adopted Gulf State of Bahrain told FeverPitch on Tuesday.

Set to return to his adopted nation on Friday, Kamel, a son of two-time former world 800m champion, Billy Konchellah, revealed a grand reception awaits him in Bahrain.

The king (Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah) was very happy and they are holding a party for me on October 12 or 13. Due to Ramadhan, it was difficult for them to organise anything immediately after the end of the season," Kamel, who finished fifth in the season ending World Athletics Final over 1,500m on September 14 said.

very happy

With two months almost elapsing since his moment of ultimate triumph on August 19 when a 3:35.3 effort ensured he succeeded compatriot Rashid Ramzi as 1,500m champion, Kamel is getting used to the idea he is a world champion.

"It’s a good thing for me since it means that I will get better appearance fees in races although I did not believe at the beginning that I had the chance of winning the 1,500m."

Kamel plans an assault on the 1,500m world indoor title early next year before starring for Bahrain at the 15th Asian Games set for Guangzhou, China from November 12 to 27.

"Bahrainis value those games a lot and I will try hard to win a medal for them. I will talk to my coach (Tariq Yaqoob, husband to Maryam YusufJamal) to advice me on whether I can try for the outdoor 800m or 1500m record," Kamel intimated.

With President Mwai Kibaki, presenting cash tokens to Kenyan athletes who performed well during the Berlin World Championships last week, Kamel is sure of receiving his financial reward from the delighted king during the reception to honour him and training partner, Maryam Yusuf Jamal who won the women’s 1,500m title.

"For now, what they will offer me is a secret only known to them," as he prepared to bid his ‘home’ away from home farewell in the knowledge his community still regards him as a lion, Bahrain colours or not.