The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
Email: [email protected]

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Wanyonyi in race for Most Promising Boy top honours

Athletics

By Ochieng Oyugi | Dec 23, 2021

**Emmanuel Wanyonyi leads Yanis Meziane of France in the World U20 Championships, at Kasarani Stadium.** [Jonah Onyango]

A star studded shortlist for the 2021 Soya Awards Most Promising Boy category will battle it out for the gong during the annual gala dinner to be held in Kakamega, next month.

The five finalists are headlined by athletics star Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who clinched the World Under-20 Championships 800m title in Nairobi, clocking a Championship record of 1:43.76.

However, Wanyonyi will face stiff challenge from fellow athlete Heriston Wanyonyi, who beat all odds to win gold in the walk race, a first for Kenya in the event, setting a personal best time of 42 minutes and 10.84 seconds.

The 18-year-old Wanyonyi stunned pre-championship favourite India’s Amit Khatri to win the title after dominating the national trials in 45:47.5.

Also in contention for the award is another athletics star Vincent Keter, who was victorious in the 1500m race, timing 3:37.24 to beat Ethiopia’s Wegene Addisu to second place.

The 19-year-old Keter ended his season on a high, winning men's 1,500m at the World Athletics Continental Tour Kip Keino Classic in 3:35.99.

Apart from athletics, Kenya Rugby Under-20 fly-half Andrew Matoka is also among the five finalists after a successful campaign with the Chipu, displaying a man-of-the-match performance as he guided the team to retain the Barthes Cup in Nairobi.

The 20-year-old Kenya 15s Under-20 vice-captain was the top point scorer at the 2021 Barthes Cup with three tries and three penalties as well as five conversions.

Thanks to his impressive performance, Matoka was named in all the national teams this season, featuring for the Kenya 7s, Kenya Simbas and Chipu as well as turning out for his local side Strathmore Leos.

Golfer Taimur Malik is also in the mix having had a blistering season, where he stunned professionals like Dismas Indiza, Greg Snow and CJ Wangai, among others, to win opening leg of the 2021/22 Safari Tour Golf Series at par 72 Sigona Golf Club in October.

The 17-year-old Muthaiga junior golfer was the only amateur to make the second-round cut.