Kenyan 400m runner Zablon Ekwam has urged fans to exercise patience as he builds his career, emphasizing that his journey to success will require time, much like other accomplished runners. Ekwam highlighted the careers of athletes such as Olympic champion Quincy Hall and silver medalist Matthew Hudson-Smith, noting that they too took years to reach the level of success they currently enjoy.
After making his Olympic debut at the Paris Olympic Games, Ekwam unfortunately did not complete his heat, having pulled up with a hamstring injury close to the finish line. Although he did not get the opportunity to fully demonstrate his capabilities, Ekwam holds no regrets about his performance, choosing instead to look forward to future competitions. He expressed gratitude for the chance to represent Kenya on the Olympic stage and noted that his Olympic appearance was the culmination of years of hard work, which has further motivated him to improve his performance.
Ekwam pointed out that both Hall and Hudson-Smith took years of competing to develop the skills and resilience needed for success at the international level. Matthew Hudson-Smith, for instance, debuted at the Olympics back in 2016 during the Rio Games, where he finished eighth in the men’s 400m final. Quincy Hall, while also competing at the Paris Olympics for the first time, gained experience and recognition from his performances at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, where he claimed bronze in the men’s 400m. These established competitors provided Ekwam with valuable experience, though he emphasized that fans should temper their expectations as he continues to grow as an athlete.
Ekwam’s Olympic debut marked an essential milestone, as he considers simply being part of the Olympic team a significant achievement. Competing against world-class athletes has only inspired him to push further, but he reiterated the need for fans to give him time to hone his craft and to refrain from holding him to the same standards as seasoned athletes like Hall and Hudson-Smith at this early stage in his career.
Throughout his season, Ekwam has showcased his potential in multiple high-level competitions. He competed in the World Relays, World Indoor Championships, World Championships, and finally the Olympic Games. Before closing his season, he took part in the World Athletics Indoor Championships, where he contributed to Kenya’s fourth-place finish in the men’s 4x400m relay, setting an African record time. Although he qualified for the World Athletics Relays, he was unable to compete due to illness.
Ekwam’s journey to the Olympics was marked by notable achievements. At the Kip Keino Classic, he finished fourth with a time of 44.69 seconds, which secured his qualification for the Olympic Games. He also participated in the Kenyan Championships before the Olympic trials, following this up with a strong showing at the African Athletics Championships in the mixed 4x400m relay. Ekwam capped his season with a second-place finish at the Moore-Guldensporenmeeting before heading to the Olympics, rounding out an impressive season of competition and growth.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s sports community is taking action against the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV), with a significant rally held in Kericho. The event brought together athletes, local leaders, and residents, all advocating for an end to GBV within the sporting community and society at large. Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jack Tuwei led the march alongside Kericho County Women Representative Beatrice Kemei and National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) CEO Roy Sasaka. Participants marched from the County Assembly to Shivling Supermarket, concluding at Moi Gardens, where they chanted “Enough is enough” in a powerful call for change.
This rally was part of a broader initiative by Athletics Kenya to combat GBV in sports. With the support of NGAAF and Equity Bank, a toll-free hotline (1195) has been launched in Nairobi to provide immediate assistance to athletes facing abuse. This initiative seeks to protect athletes and ensure that they have access to vital resources when in need. The hotline represents a critical step towards creating a safer environment for athletes by offering a lifeline to those experiencing abuse.
In addition to the hotline, the sports community has introduced other measures to address GBV, including blacklisting training camps that allow or perpetuate abuse. AK has also intensified efforts to educate community leaders, parents, and athletes on the issue. To ensure that the message reaches a wider audience, AK is working with reformed perpetrators who now educate others on the consequences of GBV. Furthermore, AK collaborates with faith-based organizations to raise awareness about GBV within communities, reinforcing the message of respect and safety for all.
The GBV awareness campaign is scheduled to continue in Iten, with further discussions and events aimed at addressing the challenges athletes face. Through these efforts, Kenya’s sporting community hopes to foster a safer, more inclusive environment for athletes and all involved in the sports ecosystem. The unified commitment displayed in Kericho demonstrates the strong resolve among Kenya’s athletes, leaders, and communities to protect and support their athletes, ensuring their safety and well-being as they pursue excellence in their fields.
