Kenya's Gwendo in American Youth Athlete of the Year Award finals

Kenyan youngster Ethan Gwendo juggles with the ball during a light warm up session in the us. [Ethan Henry Gwendo]

Kenyan youngster Ethan Henry Gwendo has set his sights on a dream many boys in the country have — wearing the Harambee Stars jersey one day.

And now, his remarkable journey in the United States has brought him closer to the global spotlight after being named a finalist for the prestigious Youth Athlete of the Year award.

Gwendo, who lives in Florida, is the only Kenyan — and possibly the only African — nominated in the competition organised by Colossal, making his achievement even more special.

He is one of the five finalists battling for the top prize, which includes a Sh3.2 million ($25,000) bonus, a feature in Sports Illustrated, and the title of official Youth Athlete of the Year.

The 17-year-old’s story is one of determination, sacrifice, and family support. Raised by a single mother, Gwendo says every step of his sporting journey has been powered by love and belief at home.

“My dream is to one day play for the Harambee Stars, our national team, and eventually go professional,” Gwendo told reporters.

“This journey hasn’t been easy. My mother and family have sacrificed so much, from buying kits to picking me up after late practices. They are the reason I keep going.”

The competition began on July 28 and runs until October. For Gwendo, making it this far is already a win, but he believes that victory would be more than a personal milestone.

“Winning this competition would not just be a personal victory — it would be a chance to show that Kenya raises athletes who can shine on the world stage,” he said.

The Youth Athlete of the Year award does more than celebrate raw talent. It highlights stories of perseverance and hope. Organisers have linked the event to charitable causes, including the Why Not You Foundation and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

“The motto ‘Why Not You?’ encourages me — and I hope it encourages every Kenyan — that we too can shine on global platforms,” Gwendo said.

Founded by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, 3BRAND, the sports and lifestyle label behind the Sports Illustrated feature, hopes to inspire youth through fashion, sport, and culture.

A feature in the iconic magazine, known for shaping sports culture for over 70 years, would mark a major breakthrough for the young Kenyan.

Despite living in the US, Gwendo insists his heart remains in Kenya. He follows Harambee Stars closely and hopes one day to wear the national team colours.

“When I think about the Harambee Stars, I see myself playing there one day. It’s my biggest dream. I want to represent Kenya and make my country proud,” he said.

With Kenyans across the globe now rallying behind him through online voting, Gwendo’s story is already an inspiration to many young athletes. As the countdown to October continues, all eyes will be on whether this determined teenager can make history — not just for himself, but for Kenya.