World Half Marathon record-holder Peres Jepchirchir during the 2020 SOYA Awards [Courtesy]Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga and the World Half Marathon record-holder Peres Jepchirchir offered messages of hope to Kenyan sportsmen and women after being crowned the most outstanding men and women Sports Personalities during the 2020 SOYA Awards in Naivasha on Saturday. The Harambee Stars forward edged out boxer Nick Okoth, who won silver at the Africa Olympic qualifier in Senegal to sail through to the Tokyo Olympic Games, and Kibiwott Kandie, who also won silver at the World Half for the award. The 27-year-old Jepchirchir said the recognition would energise her preparations towards Istanbul Half Marathon set for April, and Olympics Games later in the year. The award will motivate me more to work hard as I prepare for my next assignment in Istanbul and possible Tokyo Olympic,” she said after receiving her award. The 1972 Olympic Games steeplechase silver medalist, the late Ben Jipcho, and golf legend Rose Naliaka were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Source: Standard Digital February 22, 2021 11:15 UTC