Habari Za Wiki- 21st December, 2021
The Running News
Edna Jebitok dominates Venta de Banos meet
Following the last-minute withdrawal of Kenya’s Eva Cherono, the role of favorite in the women’s 7975m event turned to her compatriot Jebitok. The world Under-18 bronze medalist dismantled a strong field of elite athletes at the 41st edition of the cross international de Venta de Banos that was held this past weekend in Spain.
Jebitok pushed a pace none of her opponents were able to maintain and broke away from the pack increasing her lead to 38 seconds over Ethiopia's Likina Amebaw to win the race by over a minute finishing strong in 28:44. Amebaw came second in 29:53.
Emine Mechaal finished in third place.
2021 running season in a wrap.
What a year it has been for the Athletics community in Kenya. A season that saw Kenya losing great athletes in unclear circumstances and disruptions from the global pandemic. It is definitely an unforgettable year. We had highs and lows. 2021 was marked by the rise of Ferdinand Omanyala, the incredible performances of Kenyan athletes at the world scene, not forgetting the action during the Kip Keino classic. It was a year that had its lows too. We lost many phenomenal athletes, First, it was heartbreaking news that we lost Agnes Tirop- world 10km record holder then Samuel Wanjiru, 2008 Olympic marathon champion was found dead in unclear circumstances. Then Edith Muthoni was found murdered. It is the stories like this that made headlines, suicide, Gender-based Violence all boils down to mental health issues of athletes and them not having the courage to speak up.
Paula Radcliffe shares the secret to her outstanding career
Three-time world half marathon and cross country champion is in Kenya as part of a community social responsibility mission. Radcliffe plans on raising funds to build a children's cancer hospital facility in Eldoret and will attempt to do so through the Equator 80km relay that is set to take place on 24th December. She shared the secret behind her outstanding career that saw her set a record that lasted for 16 years.
“I had a great team behind me and that inspired me,” she said in an interview.
Paula reiterated the fact that it's about time we started educating young athletes on the dangers brought about by doping and encourage them to work hard as they can still win without the illegal substances.
Non-Kenyan News
Kwizera wins 7th Cross country Title
Rodrigue Kwizera from Burundi won his seventh cross country race at the 41st edition of the Cross Internacional de Venta de Banos in 32:20 holding off Ethiopia's Nibret by seven seconds.
Albert Chemutai was third in 33:04.