This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
May 18, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has brought international sports to a standstill, forcing athletes to adapt to new circumstances. For those training in Kenya, the situation is no different. In Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, athletes are finding ways to stay active while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Among them is Olga Lyakhova, a 2019 European Championships 800m bronze medallist from Ukraine. She has been training in Iten with her boyfriend Eugene Hlinski, and has been sharing her experiences on social media.
However, one of her recent posts has sparked outrage among Kenyans. In a tweet, Lyakhova expressed her frustration with the slow pace of life in Kenya, comparing it unfavorably to European cities. She wrote, 'Life in Kenya is moving slow, it's not metropolis where people don't have time to raise their head to look at the sky.'
Her comments were met with anger from Kenyans on Twitter, with some accusing her of being rude and insensitive. One user, @Mumbimaingi, wrote, 'Western standards/living are not the benchmark of civilization. Kindly educate yourself.'
Lyakhova later apologized for her comments, explaining that she had been misunderstood due to a misinterpretation by Google Translator. She said that she had meant to praise Kenya's relaxed pace of life, which she felt was a welcome change from the fast-paced lifestyle of European cities.
Other athletes, such as Darya Mykhaylova and Tony Hrabovskyi, are also stuck in Iten due to the pandemic. Mykhaylova, a marathoner, had been training for the Vienna Marathon, but was unable to travel back home in time. Hrabovskyi, a 1,500m runner, had high hopes for the Olympic Games, but they have been postponed to next year.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Lyakhova and her fellow athletes remain committed to their training. Lyakhova said that she will always train in Iten, and that she loves the town and its people.
