Tergat’s big boost for Nock top seat: Former world marathon record holder officially announces his bid

Paul Tergat address during the official media launch of Paul Tergat's candidature for the position of National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) President and Unveiling of the team that will spearhead development at NOCK in Nairobi onTuesday, April 4, 2017. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Former Olympic silver medallist announces his line-up in a bid to unseat long-serving Keino at Olympic body’s helm

Five-time World Cross Country champion Paul Tergat’s bid for the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) presidency received a major boost yesterday as a number of federations endorsed his candidature.

Tergat officially announced his candidature yesterday ahead of the elections scheduled for May 5.

While making his announcement in Nairobi yesterday, the former world marathon record holder outlined a number factors that had driven him to go for the top post which will see him challenge his greatest athletic mentor and fellow global icon Kipchoge Keino who has held the post for 18 years.

“I am eager to bring the necessary changes needed at Nock. One of the immediate task will be to ensure that the general welfare of athletes and sports persons are duly addressed in my tenure,” he said.

Tergat said he has consulted widely before before deciding to stand for the top seat.

“The numerous endorsements by federations and stakeholders in sport for the post touched me to the core, they not only made me to feel humbled and appreciated, but inspired me to go for the position. This is the reason I am making my bid for Nock’s Presidency today,” he said in his keynote speech.

He also said he would fight to ensure there is zero tolerance to doping.

Tergat was yesterday endorsed by Football Kenya Federation, Athletics Kenya and Kenya Rugby Union.

Others are Kenya Table Tennis Association, Kenya Hockey Union,Kenya Judo Association, Tennis Kenya, Boxing Association of Kenya and also the shooting federation among others.