Kenya is a 'Hot-bed' of winners

Ezekiel Kemboi celebrates after winning the men’s 3,000 metres steeplechase. [PHOTO: REUTERS]

Immediately Kenyan-born Vivian Cheruiyot and Ezekiel Kemboi scooped gold at Beijing, their Twitter pages became the trending accounts.

Vivian reclaimed the World 10,000m title when she clocked 31 minutes and 41.31 seconds to give Kenya its first gold medal yesterday.

Kenyans from all walks of life; professionals, political leaders, journalists among others turned on social media to join Vivian and Kemboi in celebrating their victories.

‏@IrwinClinton tweeted #WeAre254 a hot bed of runners #Beijing2015 #IAAFChampionships so proud of Ezekiel Kemboi & Vivian Cheruiyot #TeamKenya.

‏@KICC_kenya tweeted, “Let us join Kenyans in appreciating our very best>>Vivian Cheruiyot & Ezekiel Kemboi. You have placed Kenya on the global map once again.”

Vivian’s win did not pass the eye of social media–savvy President Uhuru Kenyatta who tweeted, @PresidentKE Vivian Cheruiyot, you made Kenya proud with your victory in the 10,000m race earlier today. I congratulate you. #MagicalKenya

Anne Soy ‏@annesoy tweeted,@evelynwatta: This is my real comeback. I dedicate this medal to my son -World 10000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot” congratulations to her.

Former Prime Minister and CORD leader Raila Odinga was not left behind in congratulating her.
‏@RailaOdinga Congratulations to Vivian Cheruiyot for making us proud winning Kenya’s first gold medal in the World Athletics Champions in Beijing, China!

The 31-year-old, who took maternal leave to have a child in 2014, took the 10,000m gold in convincing style with a personal best of 30:48.98 at Daegu in 2011.

Ethiopia’s Gelete Burka was second, settling for silver in 31.41.77 while the bronze medal went to American Emily Infield (31.43.49).

Vivian took the 10,000m gold in convincing style with a personal best of 30:48.98 at Daegu in 2011.

Just like Vivian, Ezekiel Kemboi’s Twitter account was also among the leading trends with Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta congratulating him.

@PresidentKE Congratulations to one of my Presidential Escort officer, Ezekiel Kemboi and his entire 3,000m team for the clean sweep. #MagicalKenya. The 33-year-old, two-time Olympic champion (2004 and 2012), who has also won three world silvers, timed 8minutes 11.28sec for gold, ahead of Conseslus Kipruto in the final straight.

Kipruto settled for silver in 8:12.38 with another Kenyan, Brimin Kiprop Kipruto, completing the race with bronze (8:12.54).