Boit set on swansong after decade as lone ranger
Retired Norwegian cross country skier Bjorn Daehlie (2nd R) stands with Kenyan cross country skier Philip Kimely Boit (3rd R) and some of his relatives holding an Kenyan flag after the Men's 10 km individual classic qualification race, the day before the start of the Nordic Skiing World Championships in Oslo, on February 23, 2011. AFP PHOTO / DANIEL SANNUM LAUTEN
Never say never. This must be Philip Boit’s motto every time he lines up for a skiing challenge with the world’s best.
For all the years he has participated in international tournaments - be it the Winter Olympics or the World Championships - he’s never won anything.
Yet, Boit somehow still finds the energy and courage to continue with the fight.
This year, Boit - who began skiing in 1996 - has set his sights on the World Nordic Skiing championships in Oslo, Norway.
On Wednesday, it wasn’t surprising when he returned in position 42 out of the 48 skiers who competed in the 10km Classic race.
“As I came through into the stadium, I could not believe it. I was widely cheered by the fans.
Most of them have been following my story in skiing. I was really touched. When I reached the finish line, I saw my son smiling, it felt nice,” said the 40-year-old, who hails from Eldoret.
His son Daehlie and retired Norwegian cross country skier and former world champion, Bjorn Daehlie - after whom Boit named his son - led the cheering fans at the stands.
“This was a qualification race. I’m happy I was able to beat a few other athletes and it shows that once you focus on doing something, it does not matter how difficult it is, but what determination you have,” he said.
Former middle distance runner
Next Wednesday, Boit will take part in the 15km race, which is expected to be his final event in skiing before retiring.
“It is a tough event. Only the top ten will qualify for the finals where they will meet the elite skiers including the Olympic and World Champion. I don’t expect to be in the top 10, so that might be my last event,” he said.
His participation has raised great interest in Norway that when he finished the 10km race on last Wednesday, he was mobbed by the press as he embraced his family.
Boit has carried the Kenyan flag in three Winter Olympics - Nagano (1998), Salt Lake City (2002) and Turin (2006).
He had intended to end his skiing career in Vancouver, Canada, last year, where he had planned to ski in the 15km classic event. But injuries ruled him out.
Boit, who was trained in Finland, is a former middle distance runner.
