Every year, in sports, some individuals make a breakthrough in their respective disciplines.
TeamKenya.co.ke compiled a list of three breakthrough athletes in Kenya in 2022.
Sharon Lokedi
Little-known Kenyan runner Sharon Lokedi announced herself to the world in spectacular fashion at the 2022 New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 6, 2022.
Also Read: World Major Marathons Kipchoge is Yet to Win
Lokedi, who was impacted by the 2007 post-election violence, reached the tape in 02:23.23 ahead of Israel’s Lonah Salpeter.
Before the race, very few people knew about Lokedi and she was not even among the favorites to win the race.
Kelvin Kiptum
Kelvin Kiptum came out of nowhere to outshone experienced and respected road race runners at the 2022 Valencia Marathon.
In his full marathon debut, Kiptum destroyed the field to win the race in a course record time of 02:01.53.
Kiptum’s time is the fastest in the history of a full marathon. Only two athletes - Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele - have registered faster times than him.
Ferdinand Omanyala
Ferdinand Omurwa Omanyala became a household name in Kenya in 2022 thanks to the outstanding performances he registered on the track.
The 26-year-old won various titles including the prestigious Commonwealth title. On Saturday, May 7, the university of Nairobi alumni stunned the crowd at Kasarani during the 2nd edition of the Kip Keino Classic when he clocked 9.85 seconds to bag the 100m race title.
Apart from his heroics in Nairobi, Omanyala also won a couple of titles both at individual and international levels.
Also Read: Harambee Starlets Duo Join Indian Club