Ezekiel Kemboi, a legendary figure in steeplechase, has called on Kenya to better support its athletes, emphasizing the need for recognition and appreciation of their contributions. Reflecting on Kenya’s dominance in the sport, Kemboi highlighted the golden era when the nation consistently excelled at the World Championships and Olympic Games.
For years, Kenya was synonymous with steeplechase, dominating the event from the 2007 World Championships in Osaka to the 2019 edition in Doha. Kemboi himself claimed four world titles during this period. At the Olympic Games, Kenya’s supremacy extended from the 1964 Olympics in Mexico to the 2016 Rio Games, with Kemboi securing two gold medals.
However, the current state of steeplechase in Kenya has left Kemboi disheartened. Many athletes are now competing for other countries, attracted by lucrative incentives and better support systems. Kemboi revealed that he was once approached to represent Qatar, with offers of significant financial rewards. Despite the temptation, he declined, driven by his love for Kenya and a desire to remain loyal to his country.
Kemboi expressed concern about the trend of Kenyan athletes switching nationalities, citing examples like Winfred Yavi, who now represents Bahrain. Yavi has achieved remarkable success, becoming a world and Olympic champion, a feat that highlights the stark contrast in athlete support between Kenya and other nations.
In Kenya, the lack of adequate recognition and rewards for athletes has been a persistent issue. Kemboi lamented that while athletes in other countries are celebrated with gifts like cars and houses, Kenyan athletes often receive minimal appreciation for their achievements. He emphasized the need for the government and relevant organizations to prioritize nurturing and rewarding talent to prevent the exodus of athletes to other nations.
The current generation of Kenyan steeplechasers faces immense pressure to uphold the country’s legacy. On the women’s side, athletes like Faith Cherotich, Jackline Chepkoech, and Beatrice Chepkoech are striving to maintain Kenya’s prominence. Meanwhile, Abraham Kibiwott and the Serem brothers, Amos and Edmund, carry the hopes of the men’s team. Despite their efforts, the dominance once enjoyed by Kenya has shifted to countries like Morocco and Ethiopia, with athletes such as Soufiane El Bakkali now leading the event.
Kemboi highlighted the need for structural changes within Kenyan athletics. He advocated for the establishment of academies to identify and nurture young talent, ensuring that the steeplechase remains a stronghold for Kenya. He also urged Athletics Kenya and the Olympic Committee to invest in better coaching and strategic planning to restore the country’s dominance on the global stage.
Reflecting on his own career, Kemboi expressed pride in his contributions but acknowledged that the future of Kenyan steeplechase depends on concerted efforts to develop and support the next generation of athletes. He remains hopeful that Kenya can reclaim its position as a powerhouse in the sport, provided the necessary changes are implemented.
