International Women’s Day: Ladies in sports worth celebrating

Happy International Women's Day [Courtesy]

It’s the 8^th day of the third month of the year, which only means one thing… it’s International Women’s Day.

Today, the whole world will come together to celebrate the precious women our lives.

In the sporting world, especially in Kenya, women have done more than enough to warrant just a day’s celebration.

Here are some of the women Game Yetu has taken note of:

Conjestina Achieng

Conjestina Achieng [Courtesy]

She could probably make the story of the decade. Once a World Boxing Champion, Conjestina Achieng’s career deteriorated following struggles with her mental health. She had to go back to her Siaya home since she could not afford to compete at the biggest stage anymore. In 2012, Conje was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder/paranoid schizophrenia and was admitted in Mathari Hospital.

In November last year, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko came to Conje’s aid through his vibrant rescue team, airlifting her from her Siaya home to Nairobi for treatment and rehabilitation. The Governor also promised Conje a job once her rehabilitation was over.

“She is among the patriotic Kenyans who made us proud, therefore, we shall not sit down and watch her suffer. We have taken up her case and we hope she will regain her health,” Sonko explained.

Last month, it was reported Conje was responding well to treatment at the Eden House Group Rehabilitation Centre in Diani.

We hope Conje comes back to the boxing ring and graces our TV screens once again.

Fatuma Zarika

Fatuma Zarika [Courtesy]

Fatuma ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika is undoubtedly one of the best female boxers Kenyans have seen and have had the right to claim as their own. In 2016, she made history becoming the first ever Kenyan to lift the WBC world title after beating USA’s Ashley Flint.

In September last year, Zarika’s success was cemented following her victory over Mexican Yamileth Mercardo in a WBC World Super Bantamweight fight at KICC, Nairobi.

The reigning boxing champ is now preparing to face Zambia’s Catherine Phiri in an eagerly-awaited rematch set for March 23.

As we celebrate her today, let’s hope she does Kenya proud by extending her winning run.  

Tuta Mionki

Tuta Mionki [Courtesy]

Tuta Mionki, 42, who was announced 2018 Motorsports Personality of Year award winner, a first in the in the history of the sport, grew up watching the Safari Rally with her father in Meru. The fast-moving beasts cutting through hills in the morning chill would pump up the adrenalin in her puny chest as cars slid through mud or span off the roads. Slowly, fear grew into great love.

She was a Safari Rally fan all through school, never missing an event. But when adulthood came, thrusting her into the world of work and HR at Kenya Airways, BAT, ZTE and Java House, among others, she wanted to rally.

That journey begun in 2011, when she started off as a Rally Raider – a different motorsport discipline – before getting to proper rallying in 2012 when she strapped into Eric Bengi’s co-driver’s seat.

The Nairobi-based human resource consultant savoured a title which has traditionally remained a preserve of some of Kenya’s most accomplished racing personalities. Mionki, who has now been elevated from the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) Division One to the Premier Class entered her name in the annals of motorsport history as the first ever woman to win the KMSF Motor Sports Personality of the Year, a title that has traditionally exchanged hands amongst motorsport greats like Patrick Njiru, Joginder Singh, Carl Flash Tundo and Baldev Chager just to name but a few.

Hellen Obiri

Hellen Obiri [Courtesy]

With a World record, an African record as well as a continental title to her name, Kenya’s Hellen Obiri is surely a woman worth celebrating on this day.

Born in a family of six, Obiri has punched above her weight in recent years to become one of Kenya’s most recognised female athletes.

She recently clinched the 10-kilometre national title at the National Cross Country Championships held on February 23 at the Eldoret Sports Club.

The Commonwealth Games 5,000 metres champion is now focused on the World Cross Country Championships set to be held in Aarhus, Denmark on March 30.

“This is the only medal I don’t have in my cabinet and I would like to work hard and get one for my country and myself,” said Obiri.

Game Yetu celebrates you Obiri.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka [Courtesy]

Every person who has developed an interest in the game of tennis should know Naomi Osaka. The 21-year-old Japanese has won the Australian and US Open championships in a span of a year, propelling her to number one in the latest ATP World Rankings.

Her fame became more definite after she defeated 23-time major champions Serena Williams at last year’s US open – a match filled with controversy and debate.

She is also the latest to join a group of powerful inspirational women to have their own ‘Barbie doll’.  

Naomi’ career, to be precise, has just taken off!

We celebrate you Naomi!

Caster Semenya

Caster Semenya [Courtesy]

Having just been voted Most Influential Young South African, 800m Olympic champion Caster Semenya is definitely a woman to savour.

She currently faces a legal battle in court with the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), which is seeking to reduce the high levels of testosterone in female athletes.

However, her court issues won’t stop Game Yetu from celebrating her today.

Frankly, Semenya has done a lot for South Africa.

The 28-year-old is an Olympic Gold medalist. She also boasts medals won at the IAAF World Championships in 2009 and 2017, just to name a few.

Game Yetu celebrates all these fantastic women, who have dedicated their lives to representing their countries at the highest level of sports.