Kemboi steals the limelight

Ezekiel Kemboi decorates President Mwai Kibaki with his Olympic gold medal

World and Olympics 3,000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi (right) decorates President Mwai Kibaki with his Olympic gold medal during the awards ceremony at State House in Nairobi on January 22, 2013.

Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • President Kibaki advised Kemboi, Rudisha and other athletes, not to sleep on their laurels, especially with the World Championships in athletics, World Cross Country and World Rugby World Cup Sevens beckoning.
  • Kibaki also received the national flag from Paralympics team captain, Henry Kirwa, the national golf team that retained the 2012 regional title in Burundi and the Motorcross team that came third in Africa and second in regional championships.

Love him or hate him, London Olympics and World 3,000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi always grabs the limelight wherever he goes.

On Tuesday, the 30-year-old athlete from Marakwet surprised President Kibaki when he dedicated his Olympic gold medal to the Head of State.

Kemboi, who recaptured his Olympic title in London last year after his maiden victory in 2004 in Athens, decorated Kibaki with the gold medal as a send off gift.

Kemboi also presented Kibaki with a portrait of his now famous “Kemboi dance” from the London Olympics.

“Nothing feels better than to honour my president for 10 years of exemplary service to the country,” said Kemboi, adding that it’s during Kibaki’s tenure that the cash award scheme was introduced and, most recently, the Sports Bill to which the President accented.

“It goes without saying that the cash award has helped improve the lives of both the able-bodied and disabled athletes,” added Kemboi, who was among the medallists who received cash awards amounting to Sh15.4 million from the President for their London Olympics and Paralympics exploits.

National flag

It was, perhaps, President Kibaki’s last major sporting function before the March 4 General Election that should usher in his successor.

The President also received the national flag from London Olympic Games Team Kenya captain, David Rudisha, and his deputy, Pamela Jelimo.

But before giving his speech, Kibaki gave the medal back to Kemboi since the International Olympics Committee rules do not allow transference of medals.

President Kibaki advised Kemboi, Rudisha and other athletes, not to sleep on their laurels, especially with the World Championships in athletics, World Cross Country and World Rugby World Cup Sevens beckoning.

Rudisha and Kemboi were the only gold medallists from the London Games where the country also secured four silver and five bronze medals.

The Paralympics team got two gold, silver and bronze medals in each category.

Kibaki also received the national flag from Paralympics team captain, Henry Kirwa, the national golf team that retained the 2012 regional title in Burundi and the Motorcross team that came third in Africa and second in regional championships.

The Deaflympics team that finished fourth and the Special Olympics team was also in attendance.

The Kenya Sevens rugby team, which is taking part in the IRB World Sevens Series, not only received the flag but accolades from the President for its outstanding performance.

Rudisha praised Kibaki for serving two terms in office marked with great development in local sports.

Rudisha was quick to note the latest enactment of the Sports Bill to Law.

“This will favour the country’s growth in sports. I know he has got a soft spot for top performers because he appreciates good performance and quality,” Rudisha explained.

On his part, the President heaped praise on the sportsmen and women for their outstanding performances.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate you all for your success in various competitions, and for being great ambassadors. Your achievements have brought great pride and joy to all Kenyans. I encourage you to keep up the good work,” Kibaki said.