Athletics
For track marvels, it runs in the family
Linet Chepkwemoi Masai of Kenya celebrates after winning the women's 10,000 metres final during the world athletics championships at the Olympic stadium in Berlin August 15, 2009. Masai, her brother Moses and Mercy Cherono will be in action at today’s fifth round of the KCB national cross-country weekend meeting in Kisii. Photo/FILE
Posted Thursday, August 20 2009 at 20:09
In Summary
- Linet wins gold as her brother Moses dashes away with bronze in Berlin
New heights
Leonida recalls that initially Linet was too shy to run as she could not dare put on running tights and practice in public.
“When she competed in primary school, I went there with a gourd of mursik (sour milk) and gave her after she won races. Most people laughed but I was not bothered. I have now prepared the mursik for the reception at the airport.Their father will reward them with cows and I appreciate that,” she said with pride.
She is confident that Linet’s younger sister Magdaline will soon storm world athletics having reached national level at this year’s secondary schools competitions.
Jipcho, the 1972 Munich Olympics 3,000 metres steeplechase silver medalist and former world record holder said he was impressed with the Masai siblings.
A neighbour Nelly Chebet, who clinched the 1,500 metres title at the World Youth event last month in Italy, said the Masai victory would boost the district into taking the sport to new heights.
She is a form Three Student at Nairobi’s Riruta Central.
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