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The Athletics Kenya Masters that took part in the 25th edition of the World Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden received a heroic welcome as they jetted back home on Tuesday night.
The Assistant Director in the State Department of Sports Joel Atuti, Athletics Kenya Chief Executive Officer Susan Kamau and other senior officials from Elgeyo-Marakwet and West Pokot Counties, received the team, which produced stellar performances in Sweden after managing to grab 26 medals.
The team's show in Gothenburg has been engrossed in history as Kenya's best performance in an international athletics competition across all ages.
The 26 medals that were won in western Sweden includes seven gold medals, ten silvers and nine bronze medals and was ranked second in Africa after South Africa.
Their reception at the Jomo Kenyatta Airport on a chilly night was characterized by song and dance with players and officials given flowers as they emerged from the airport terminal.
Athletics Kenya CEO who was accompanied by Athletics Kenya National Executive Member Benjamin congratulated the team for the remarkable performance.
“We are happy for this team; for sure they have done Kenya proud with the exemplary performance in Sweden. Athletics Kenya is proud of you and Kenya is happy as well,” said Athletics Kenya CEO Susana Kamau as she welcomed the team back.
State Department of Sports Assistant Director Joel Atuti who was present at the airport on behalf of the Ministry of Sports showered the team with praises following their glorious exploits.
“This team is so special. Actually, they are not as old as many of you think of them. In Sweden, they met other athletes who were as old as 100 years. We appreciate this Masters team for the great performance and the good name they have given our country out there. We welcome you back and I encourage you to step up your training because the government will continue to support you.”
Francis Bowen who broke the world record in men’s 5000m in the M60 category was jovial and grateful for the support they received from the Ministry of Sports and expressed his desire to represent Kenya in the subsequent events next year.
Athletics Kenya Masters Secretary General Rose Tata Muya led the team for the Sweden assignment.
Former World Marathon champion Catherine Ndereba served as the Team Manager and was deputized by Julius Chemitei while legendary Kenyan short putter Elizabeth Olaba was the head coach.
Twenty-six athletes represented Kenya in the competition and the oldest team member was Joel Kimisik who is 80-year-old.
The Kenya Masters athletes will embark on training later in the year to prepare for the World Indoor Championships slated for Florida, USA in March 2025.
The 26th edition of the World Masters Athletics Championships will be held in Daegu, South Korea in 2026.
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