This archive report was first published on 23 December 2021.
Kenyan athletics has been on the rise in recent years, with several talented young athletes making a name for themselves on the international stage. One such athlete is Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who made headlines in 2021 by clinching the World Under-20 Championships 800m title in Nairobi, setting a Championship record of 1:43.76.
Wanyonyi's achievement was all the more impressive given that he was up against stiff competition, including fellow athlete Heriston Wanyonyi, who won gold in the walk race, a first for Kenya in the event, and set a personal best time of 42 minutes and 10.84 seconds.
Another athletics star, Vincent Keter, was also victorious in the 1500m race, timing 3:37.24 to beat Ethiopia's Wegene Addisu to second place. Keter's impressive performance earned him a spot among the finalists for the 2021 Soya Awards Most Promising Boy category.
But athletics is not the only area where Kenyan talent is shining. Andrew Matoka, a 20-year-old Kenya 15s Under-20 vice-captain, was named in all the national teams this season, featuring for the Kenya 7s, Kenya Simbas, and Chipu, as well as turning out for his local side Strathmore Leos. Matoka's impressive performance, including three tries and three penalties as well as five conversions, made him a standout candidate for the Soya Awards.
Finally, 17-year-old golfer Taimur Malik is also in the running for the award, having had a blistering season that saw him stun professionals like Dismas Indiza, Greg Snow, and CJ Wangai to win the opening leg of the 2021/22 Safari Tour Golf Series at par 72 Sigona Golf Club in October.
