Go Kenya, go! London is beckoning. The gold furnaces are burning — let us go pick our Lion’s share in July-August.
That is the spirit in the country on Saturday and our athletes, renown for their track prowess, raced from gun-to-tape to win a place in the London Olympic marathon.
It was refreshing for the country to see female 800 metres race sensation Pamela Jelimo maintain her recovery streak and win again.
It was spellbinding watching Isaiah Kiplang’at power his way to victory in the 5,000 metres, earning a deserved place in the London’s starting blocks and breaking the national record.
It was simply exhilarating to see reigning world men’s 800 metre champion David Lekuta Rudisha, and the women’s 5,000 metre international sensation Vivian Cheruiyot lead from gun-to-tape! What then can we say of 3,000 metres steeplechase winner Milcah Chemos who, though she was spiked, recovered to win and qualify? What about Brimin Kipruto’s deadly blast from last 300 metres in the men 3,000 metres steeplechase to win and qualify?
To all the winners, the chosen few on whose shoulders the nationals are thrust upon by history, you have our congratulations, confidence and best wishes.
To those who lost, you brought and earned honour as worthy competitors and kept the fire of athletics prowess burning.
It is because of you that the thrill, fun and sense of accomplishment and national pride fills Kenyan hearts every time you step on the tracks.
To the winners, go to London with our national flag and Africa’s raised high.