Kenya launches 100 days countdown to Tokyo Olympics

400m hurdler Aaron Koech. [Courtesy]

Kenya yesterday joined the world in marking the last 100 days before the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Opening ceremony.

The day was marked with a launch event at the Nairobi National Museum, with Team Kenya athletes joined by the Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed and President of Olympics Kenya Paul Tergat, where they unveiled the hashtag #YouAreTheReason for rallying support for the Tokyo squad.

Amina also unveiled Team Kenya’s official website, a hub that will be a one-stop-shop for all Team Kenya news about the Olympics, stories and schedules. The site can be accessed on teamkenya.or.ke.

Kenya is a key member of the Olympic Family, having participated in the Olympic Games 14 editions with impressive performances.

Tokyo City holds a very special place in Kenya’s Olympic journey as it won its first Olympic medal in 1964 at the city when it competed at the Summer Olympics for the first time as an independent country. Then, Kenya took 37 competitors, all men. Wilson Kiprugut won the nation's first Olympic medal.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games mascot Miraitowa poses with a display of Olympic Symbol after an unveiling ceremony of the symbol on Mt. Takao in Hachioji, west of Tokyo, Wednesday, April 14, 2021, to mark 100 days before the start of the Olympic Games. [Kim Kyung-Hoon/Pool]

Kenya had participated in the Olympics since 1954.

And 57 years since that first medal, most Kenyans have found many reasons to cheer and celebrate our athletes successes over the years.

Amina noted that the Olympics and Kenyan athletes, in particular, have several characteristics represented in all its citizens.

“Our athletes take inspiration from Kenya’s unique strengths as country through its beauty and people," she said.