By Lauryne Akoth
The late world Marathon Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum won the 2023 Sports Personality of the Year Award ( SOYA)
The 20th Edition of the awards was held on 1st March 2024 at the Kenya International Convention Center (KICC) Kelvin Kiptum was crowned the Sportsman of the Year defeating three other competitors including Emmanuel Wanyonyi (Athletics), Patrick Odongo (Rugby), and Simon Kipkorir (Volleyball).
In Kiptum’s absence, former world marathon record holder Patrick Makau received the award on his behalf from CS Sports, Ababu Namwamba. The late Kiptum was buried last week in his home in Naiberi.
His accolade came after the two-time Olympics marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge paid tribute to the fallen athlete. Speaking in a press conference ahead of Sunday’s Tokyo Marathon, Kipchoge remarked, ” It is unfortunate that Kiptum left, there were high expectations. His career was in high spirits and he was running on a high level.”
Although Kiptum only competed in three marathons, he won all of them and posted three of the seven fastest times in history. His Soya award was proof that Kiptum remains a champion in life and death.
The Cs congratulated all the nominees for the award and invited investors to partner with the Ministry of Sports. He also revealed the reintroduction of the school category to the awards, marking its comeback after a hiatus during the post-COVID-19 period.
“It is gratifying to note that this year the school’s category makes a return after a brief break induced by Covid,” said Namwamba.
Double-world record Holder Faith Kipyegon bagged the Sports Woman of the Year award for three years in a row.