How Kenyan heroes ruled Paris Olympic Games

Kenyan athlete Beatrice Chebet, who finished the race in first place, celebrated with joy after the Women's 10,000m Final.[AFP]

Once again, Kenya topped the continent and ranked 17th globally with 11 medals (four gold, two silver and five bronze) at this year’s Paris Olympic Games.

This was a fairly improved performance from 2020 Tokyo Games where the nation raked in 10 medals (four gold, four silver and two bronze) and positioned 19th in the world.

The USA topped the table standings with a staggering 126 medals (40 gold, 44 silver and 42 bronze), followed by China who garnered 91 medals (40 gold, 27 silver and 42 bronze). 2020 Games hosts Japan were third with 45 medals (20,12,13), while hosts France finished fifth with 64 medals (16,26,22).

Gold medallist Kenya's Faith Kipyegon celebrates winning the women's 1500m final.[AFP]

Though impressed with the performance, Team Kenya’s Chef de Mission Shadrack Maluki said time is now ripe for the country to embrace technology.

“The team performed very well under the circumstances. We have not embraced technology unlike other countries that won most of their medals by using technology and research, ours was purely raw talent. We have learnt our lessons, and it’s now time to go scientific,” said Maluki.

As expected, all the medals came from athletics, with Kenya being ranked second globally behind US in the track and field event.

Gold medallist Kenya's Emmanuel Wanyonyi celebrates after winning the men's 800m final.[AFP]

Beatrice Chebet became the first Kenyan to win a double at the Games in 5,000m and 10,000m on her debut, while Faith Kipyegon wrote history for clinching the 1,500m title for the third time in a row.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi also mined gold on his Olympic debut in 800m. Ronald Kwemoi (5,000m) and Faith Kiyegon (5,000m) claimed silver.

Bronze medals were won by Mary Moraa (800m), Benson Kipruto (marathon), Hellen Obiri (marathon), Abraham Kibiwot (3,000n SC) and Faith Cherotich (3,000m SC).

Women's Olympics marathon bronze medallist Hellen Obiri. [AFP]

Both Malkia Strikers and Shujaa put in a spirited fight in volleyball and rugby respectively. Kenya were also represented in swimming, fencing and judo.

The next Games will be held in Los Angeles on July 14-30 2028.

In their own words, this is what Kenyan heroes and heroines at the 33rd Olympic Games whose curtains fell down on Sunday had to say.