Jipcho’s granddaughter wipes tears

By Mutwiri Mutuota

Esther Chemutai, a granddaughter of 1972 Olympic steeplechase silver medallist, Ben Jipcho, stole the thunder as the national junior athletics squad arrived from Mauritius.

This is despite she did not compete and therefore, was not among 18 medallists (four gold, nine silver, five bronze) from a squad of 24 that finished third overall at Africa Junior Championships.

National junior athletics team after arriving from Mauritius Tuesday where they finished third at Africa meet. [PHOTO: STAFFORD ONDEGO/STANDARD]

Chemutai, a 14-year-old Standard Seven pupil at Nairobi’s Jubilee Academy, was pulled out of women’s 5,000m race and her place taken up by world and newly crowned Africa junior 3,000m champion, Mercy Cherono.

"We decided to preserve her for the future since the Ethiopians were too strong for her. We applaud her for putting her country first," Athletics Kenya (AK) chair, Isaiah Kiplagat, spoke during a reception for the team organised by sponsors National Bank yesterday.

"I cried when they told me I was out of the team but recovered later," the shy Chemutai told reporters later. "I wanted to be given a chance and probably would have won bronze. Cherono won silver which was good but she took home more money after winning gold in 3,000m."

AK gave her token cash after her heartbreak but the same amount was handed to Cherono in what was said to be ‘reward to both for capturing the Chairman’s eye.’

"I will not give up. I will do all my best to compete against those Ethiopians," Chemutai pledged.

At the reception, the Government, represented by Assistant Sports Minister Kabando wa Kabando and Secretary for Sports, Wilson Langat, promised Sh100,000, Sh75,000 and Sh25,000 for gold, silver and bronze medallists. Squad members will receive Sh5,000 each.

AK rewarded Sh15,000 (gold), Sh10,000 (silver) and Sh5,000 (bronze) while National Bank opened Vision accounts for the entire team with officials also benefiting from Taifa accounts. Prize money from the financial institution will be deposited in the accounts.