PARIS, France, Aug 11 – Kenya emerged top of the African continent at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a total of 11 medals; 4 Gold, 2 Silver and 5 Bronze as the multi-sporting event came to an end Sunday morning.
Hellen Obiri bagged Kenya’s final medal after collecting bronze in the women’s marathon, clocking a personal best of 2:23:10 behind silver medallist Assefa Tigst from Ethiopia who timed 2:22:58 while Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands took gold in an Olympic record of 2:22:55.
Other Kenyans saw Sharon Lokedi come home fourth in a personal best of 2:23:14 while defending champion Peres Jepchirchir crossed the line 15th in 2:26:51.
Obiri, who is based in the United States, was delighted to rack-up a podium finish on his marathon debut in Kenyan colours.
“I am satisfied with bronze. It was not easy because I missed two water stations and fell at some point, so to recover and finish third on this tough course is a major achievement for me,” Obiri said.
For Lokedi, she said, “I wish there was a medal for fourth place, but I gave it my all. I am happy as Kenya we were able to come home with a medal.”
Obiri’s medal saw Kenya stamp her authority as a powerhouse athletics nation after finishing top in the continent and second behind United States of America in Athletics.
Overall, Kenya was ranked 17th and 1st in Africa again.