Kemboi, Sum named Kenya’s best as Kiplagat, Kipsang also get nod in colourful Athletics Kenya gala night

BY EMMANUEL SABUNI
Ezekiel Kemboi and Eunice Sum were named Kenya’s top athletes of 2013 after fighting off strong opposition in a colourful gala night in Eldoret on Thursday. Kemboi emerged tops ahead of Asbel Kiprop and Wilson Kipsang following his exploits in the World championships in Moscow in August when he successfully defended his 3,000m steeplechase title, becoming the only man to win three world titles in a row over the distance.

For Sum it was a perfect way to sum up the year after her surprise victory in the 800m at the worlds and also a stellar performance in the Diamond League races. The 29-year-old Kemboi was visibly elated with the win saying it has been a long journey representing Kenya for the last 13 years.

“It is a great moment for me to be recognised as it has not been easy representing Kenya for quite a while now. God has seen me through and he has been my shield and faithful frontier,” said Kemboi. World Marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang bagged the World Record Award, thanks to his 2.03:23 mark set in Berlin in September.

Double World marathon champion Edna Kiplagat won the Marathon Award, while Africa javelin champion Julius Yego clinched the Field Events Award as youngster Alex Kiprotich walked home with the Most Promising Athlete gong. Milcah Chemos, who became the first Kenyan woman to win a world steeplechase gold in Moscow, was awarded the Steeplechase Award alongside Kemboi. Conseslus Kipruto won the Most Improved Athlete Award alongside Lydia Chepkirui.

The Middle Distance Award went to double 1,500m Asbel Kiprop as Sum grabbed a double by winning the women’s prize in that category. Paul Tanui and Gladys Cherono won the 10,000 Metres Award, while Isaiah Kiplagat and Mercy Cherono were crowned winners of the 5,000m award. The ceremony presided over by Athletics Kenya president Isaiah Kiplagat was graced by many current and former athletes.