Muchai makes history, bags prestigious SOYA award

Samuel Muchai (R) and his guide James Boit (L) receive the SOYA award trophy at KICC [Photo: Courtesy]

He gripped his trophy close to his chest. Clad in navy-blue suit, and looking calm Samuel Muchai stood in the podium at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre to receive his accolade for the Sports Personality of the Year award, on Wednesday night, January 17.

The Paralympian saw off a stiff competition from fellow athletes to make history by emulating the legendary Paralympian Henry Wanyoike, by winning the prestigious award though living with disability.

Muchai, the T11 men’s 5000 2016 Paralympic Champion beat the 3,000 metres steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto, 5,000 metres champion Hellen Obiri and a deaflympian champion Beryl Wamira to the prestigious ward.

“I am delighted to be awarded as a winner overall of SOYA awards 2017. Since SOYA awards began 14 years ago, we have never seen any person with disability take this award. But today, I am very happy.” Said Muchai.

He challenged the society to perceive persons with disabilities in a more positive way adding that time has come for the society to discard the view that such people are mere ‘beggars’ in the community.

Muchai’s message was more of a huge encouragement to the aspiring paralympians out there who are struggling to shed off the perception that success is a cumbersome affair.

The SOYA award winner flew the Kenyan flag at the Rio Paralympic Games in Brazil at Olympic Stadium in 2016, where he bagged gold medal in the T11 men’s 5,000 in 15.16.11.

Another similar milestone would the come in his favour when he won the same race at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in London in July.