Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Beatrice Chebet named 2024 Sportspersons of the Year
The enterprising Chebet, who won both the 5000 and 10000 metre Gold Medal was without doubt named the Female athlete of the year, in itself no mean feat considering the competition on show.
Double Olympic winner Beatrice Chebet and 800-metre champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi have been named the 2024 Sportspersons of the Year (SOYA) during the annual Gala Ceremony held in Nairobi on Thursday night.
The SOYA awards, an annual caucus that celebrates the best of Kenya's elite sportspeople was held at the unmistakable Kenyatta International Convention Centre, itself a national icon and with 2024 being an Olympic year, accolades were handed out to those who flew the country's flag the highest at the World's biggest sporting event in Paris.
Arguably the athlete of the Paris Games, the enterprising Chebet, who won both the 5000 and 10000 metre Gold Medal was without doubt named the Female athlete of the year, in itself no mean feat considering the competition on show.
Also nominated for the award was triple Olympic 1500-metre champion Faith Kipyegon, who was unbeatable in Paris, but Chebet's feat was too good to ignore.
Boston Marathon winner Hellen Obiri, world marathon record holder Ruth Chepng’etich, and steeplechase bronze medallist Faith Cherotich were also nominated.
"I thank God, my family, my coaching team and all Kenyans for this award. I worked hard and I look forward (sic) to doing well again in future," Chebet stated upon receiving the award.
In the Men's tier one award, Wanyonyi was feted after having a near faultless year. He won Gold for Kenya at last year's Paris Games.
Benson Kipruto, Ronald Kwemoi, basketballer Albert Odero and boxer Boniface Mugunde were his competitors for the top men's honour.
In 2024, Wanyonyi also deposited the second-fastest time ever in the 800-metre distance.
His time of 1.41.11, recorded in Lausanne, Switzerland, in August, was close to David Rudisha's world record time of 1.40.91.
His dream is to hopefully one day break Rudisha's mark.
"Of course, as an athlete, you aspire to break the records. I will try my best as I have already come close," the shy Wanyonyi stated.
Other Award Winners on the night
Sportsman With Disability: Samson Ojuka (para-athletics)
Sportswoman With Disability: Michelle Chepng’etich (para-athletics)
Coach of the Year: Mildred Cheche (Junior Starlets – football)
Team of the Year (Women): Junior Starlets (football)
Team of the Year (Men): Nairobi City Thunder (basketball)
School Coach of the Year: Benson Mwenda (All Saints Embu – 15s Rugby)
Boys’ School Team of the Year: All Saints Embu (15s Rugby)
Girls’ Team of the Year: Kesogon Girls Secondary School (volleyball)
Hall of Fame Inductee: John Bobby Ogolla (former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars defender)