THREAT BY OUR DAUGHTER: Bahrain’s Jebet a challenge to Kenya’s steeple gold dream

Deputy President William Ruto, CS Hassan Warion and Lunga Lunga MP Khatib Mwashetani join Kenyan Athletes for a morning jog at the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mr Ruto encouraged and appreciated the athletes for their efforts. PICTURE REBECCA NDUKU/DPPS

As a precocious 16-year-old, her talent barely raised eyebrows. After all, this was just a tiny girl trying to win honours for her primary school.

And this was just one of those competitions where barefoot girls running without the right kit try to outdo each other on barely noticeable lanes due to overgrown grass.