Beatrice Chepkoech (Photo: Xinhua)

BEATRICE CHEPKOECH

Second, after Faith in achievements on the track is Beatrice Chepkoech, a World Record Holder in the 3000m steeplechase who is fresh from winning silver at the Budapest World Championships.

Chepkoech has inspired a number of athletes; one of them is World 800m Champion Mary Moraa.

Beatrice Chebet also stands tall in the sporting arena.

After winning the gold medal at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia earlier this year, Chebet went ahead to win bronze in 5000m at the just concluded Budapest World Championships.

 Hellen Obiri (Photo: Hellen Obiri)

HELLEN OBIRI

Hellen Obiri, another star and world champion, is a middle and long-distance athlete who was born in December 1989, in Boginchoncho village, Kisii County. She is now a marathoner and continues to inspire generations.

Obiri attended Ekeonga Primary School and later went to Riruta Central Secondary School in Nairobi.

She was an active athlete as early as during her primary and secondary school years but lost interest in the track to set her sights on studies.

Her father wanted her to pursue a career in athletics when she was a schoolgirl and by 14 years of age, she was taking part in competitions, representing her school in the 200m and 400m during the national athletics competitions.

 Angela Okutoyi (Photo: Jonah Onyango/ Standard)

ANGELA OKUTOYI

Angela Okutoyi, 19, is also on the rich list of women sensations who have broken the glass ceiling in sports.

Okutoyi became the first Kenyan girl to win an Australian Open juniors match and the first to go past the second round at a Grand Slam tournament.

Her presence in Melbourne marked Kenya's appearance at the Grand Slam tourney after a 16-year absence.

Okutoyi introduced herself to the tennis world in 2018, winning six major titles.

She has overcome numerous challenges to rise to the top. Okutoyi and her twin sister, Roselida Asumwa never set eyes on their mother, who died during delivery in 2004.

"I come from a humble background. Growing up, I was heavily into sports like cricket and tennis and my grandmother and coach were very supportive, but I knew deep down that they were struggling to see me succeed," Okutoyi says.

SHARON CHEPCHUMBA AKA CHUMBA

KCB won club championships in 2022 in Tunisia. Interestingly, Moim, Nekesa, and Chumba were all teammates before Chumba joined the paid ranks in Greece.

Chumba's impressive performance in Cameroon saw her being named the Most Valuable Player at the recently concluded AFCON in Cameroon. Just like Chumba, her former school Kwanthanze Girls have been a joy to watch after they won the East Africa Secondary School Games title in Huye, Rwanda last month.

Earlier this year, six-time regional volleyball champions Kwanthanze became African champions. The girls' volleyball team thrashed hosts Morocco 3-0 to clinch the African School Games title in Casablanca, and in the process inspired Kenya.

Kwanthanze Girls under coach Justine Kigwari have made Kenya proud and demonstrated the raw talent among our juniors on several occasions.

Kigwari, who has been nurturing players for top Kenyan women's volleyball clubs and national team Malkia Strikers, was quick to acknowledge support from the Machakos County government and how volleyball fans helped achieve this success.


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