Muthoni Kimani won the 2022 Equestrian FEI Against All Odds award at a gala held in Durban, South Africa.
The 19-year-old horse rider made history by becoming the youngest African female and Kenyan sole award winner.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, on Tuesday, November 15, congratulated her on her victory and milestone.
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"Congratulations on your win and for branding Kenya on the world stage. Your win is indeed an inspiration to budding equestrian athletes in our country," Namwamba noted.
The Sports CS also called on the 19-year-old to popularize the sport among other Kenyan youths.
"We now wish to see you opening up the equestrian space for other Kenyans to come in and partake in this sport,” Namwamba added.
The Kenyan battled with former jockey Trevor Harrison, vaulter Estiven Palacio Hernandez and US Para Dressage competitor Mia Rodier-Dawallo for the 2022 FEI Against All Odds.
The FEI Against All Odds Award recognises athletes who pursue their equestrian ambitions despite physical disability or extremely difficult personal circumstances.
After her win, Muthoni revealed that her dream has always been to compete in the Olympics.
“So now I am on this journey where I can really see it, and I believe it will happen. The 15-year-old me would say, ‘Wow, you know, she's in the Tuscan Academy! She is competing for Kenya!’ This is completely incredible and I wouldn't have believed it,” Muthoni stated after the win.
According to the organisers, the winners were decided by combining 50% of the public votes cast on FEI.org and 50% of the judges’ votes.
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