Kenyans Online React as 5 Kenyan-Born Marathoners Fight for Slots in the US Olympics Team
Kenyans on social media reacted after a list of marathon runners fighting for a place in the US Olympic team was unveiled.
The list of five athletes was shared on U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) Facebook page on Friday evening.
“Tune into NBC tomorrow, Saturday 29 February from 11am-2pm CST to watch our marathon runners compete for a spot on the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team!!,” the post read.
What excited Kenyans online is that all the five athletes are Kenyan-Americans who are serving in the US Army. They are Elkanah Kibet, Augustus Maiyo, Leonard Korir, Samuel Kosgei and Haron Lagat.
Those who qualify to represent the US will go head-to-head with the likes of Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya in the 42-kilometer marathon race at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan later this year.
Here are some of the reactions from Kenyans online;
Dee Murando said: “Congratulations to them great team...This time Kenya Team we're doomed😢😢😢.”
Mutaikp Prince wrote: “Congrats to Team Kenya. We run the world.”
Rebecca Ochong stated: “Congratulations guys. Kenyan flag 🇰🇪 still shining bright 👏🏽👏🏽.”
Justus Ijakaa noted: “Team USArmy am so proud all the way from Kenya we came to defend the flag of our new Country USA....Armystrong💪💪💪 and this👉🇺🇲 we will defend.”
Ptah Wanjohi said: “Wherever these guys are they still Kenyan as much as they are American. We support you from the motherland. May the best man win.”
Kimutai Stanley noted: “This is great to Kalenjin nation as we dominate the world in athletics.”
Kiptoo Barkutwo said: ‘All the best guys…Mr. SGT kosgei my neighbor amagun kabelishiet sir.”
Lydia Ngaira wrote: ‘Kenyans in America💕💕💕.”
Ben Re Keter said: “They are all from Rift valley in Kenya 🇰🇪👏🏿👏🏿.”
Cheruuh Gladys said: “This is team mursik, people of good teeth.”
Comments (3)
Wajinga nyinyi
Well, to me its more important to hear what the naturally born Americans think.And trust me, agood number of them have the opinion that" these foregners" are taking slots "Naturals" would be enjoying.Yes they will cheer for them as they wear american uniforms,but wonder what if...
Case in point is Meb,the Eritrian who represented USA,and also won the Boston Marathon afew years ago.Some media went as far as not calling him American...
Those who watched World Cross country championship that was help in Uganda afew year ago will remember that the Turkey team was basically Kenyans,to the chagrin of other European countries.
And yes when they shine, glory is shared between the two countries,but when they"sin" the blame is apportioned unevenly.Go figure.
All in all its about one making a better life for themselves.That's generally why people switch citizenship. My two cents.Nothing wrong.
Walijaribu lakini loo!
wenyeji wawili na Abdi walitfuzu
Wajaribu baada ya miaka minne