By Athletics Kenya Media Team
Kenya’s Masters athletics team returned home to a heroes’ welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after an outstanding campaign at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, where they emerged Africa’s highest-ranked nation.
The 20-member team finished 12th overall after winning an impressive 27 medals — 15 gold, seven silver and five bronze — reaffirming Kenya’s enduring pedigree on the global athletics stage.
The United States topped the standings with 226 medals, followed by Australia with 172 and hosts Japan with 158. South Africa was Africa’s second-best nation in 23rd position after collecting 25 medals.
President of African Masters Athletics (AFMA) and Athletics Kenya Masters Secretary General Rose Tata said the focus had already shifted to next year’s World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in Gainesville, Florida, from March 18-26.
“Next year we are going to the World Indoors in Florida, so we have to prepare,” said Tata.
She hailed the Masters athletes for their resilience and commitment to staying active long after their senior careers.
“The reason why the masters are still running is to keep fit, and it is also very healthy. They could have retired after their senior careers, but they chose not to,” she said.
Investment to Masters athletics
Legendary marathoner Catherine Ndereba called for increased government investment in Masters athletics, saying the team’s performance deserved greater recognition.
“We have performed well. I encourage the government to continue supporting the masters so that in future we can take a larger number of athletes,” said Ndereba.
“If you look at countries like Japan, they had 600 athletes at the World Masters. This small group of ours fought and brought back 27 medals… that’s no easy achievement.”
Veteran sprinter Grace Kidake was among Kenya’s standout performers, winning three medals. She struck W40 400m gold in 57.76 seconds after taking silver in the 800m in 2:18.75. She also anchored Kenya’s W40 4x400m relay team to silver in 4:17.21.
“I am so happy and proud of my achievements. Winning one gold and two silvers is very good,” said Kidake, who is already targeting further success.
“I have to work extra hard to maintain what I have been able to achieve.”
Former Kenyan steeplechase star Paul Kipsiele also impressed on his Masters debut, winning M40 1,500m silver in 3:56.87.
“I am so happy because this was my first time at the Masters Championships,” said Kipsiele.
“The team did well, and we hope next time we can win even more medals. We hope the government can give the Masters team more support,” he added.
