Kenya’s top 4 memorable sporting moments of 2023

What a year it has been! 2023 will go down as one of the most memorable years in the rich history of the Kenyan sporting industry. 

From the heartbreaks experienced in the rugby world to the remarkable performances registered by Kenyan athletes in both the road races and track events, the year had mixed fortunes. 

SportPesa News takes a look at the top four unforgettable moments that happened in 2023 as the year slowly comes to a close. 

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Kipyegon breaks 3 World Records in less than 2 months

Faith Kipyegon became a household name in 2023 thanks to her incredible performances on the track.

The 29-year-old did something that has never been done in recent years, breaking three world records within two months. 

Kipyegon started by smashing Genzebe Dibaba’s 1500m world record in Florence when she obliterated the field to cross the finishing line in 3:49.11 becoming the first woman to run under 3:50.00. 

A few days later, the athlete who sharpens her skills in Kaptagat shocked the entire universe when she outpaced Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey and went on to break the 5000m world record, clocking 14:05.20. 

The multiple world champion was not done yet. Her third world record came in July when she crossed the finishing line in 4:07. 64 to better the one-mile world record in Monaco, France.

Kipyegon’s achievements this year have cemented her name as the greatest female middle-distance runner of all time, earning her the 2023 World Athlete of the Year (Track).

FEATURE STORY: Faith Kipyegon – From humble beginnings to global phenomenon

Shujaa suffer relegation from World Rugby Sevens Series after 20 years

Sunday, May 21, 2023 will go down as one of the most painful days for the Kenya men’s national sevens rugby team, Shujaa.

The day saw Shujaa relegated from the prestigious HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series after their narrow 12 -7 loss in the hands of Canada in the match staged in London. The team gave their all but it was never to be. 

Junior Stars unite Kenyans

Most Kenyan football fans were losing hope in the sport due to the poor performances displayed by the national men’s team Harambee Stars in recent years. Then Junior Stars happened!

The under 18 side united Kenyans with their good run at the CECAFA Championships staged in Kisumu and Kakamega Counties. 

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Adrine Kibet, Tyrone Kariuki, Amos Wanjala, highly-rated goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala and Elly Owande all gave the country hope for the future with their eye-catching displays. 

Sadly, their wonderful run ended in the final against neighbors Uganda, narrowly losing 2-1 in a final which was attended by thousands of spectators from different corners of the country.

Kelvin Kiptum’s unbelievable performance

You cannot do justice by compiling the list of 2023 memorable sporting moments in Kenya without including the name Kelvin Kiptum. 

Kiptum ended Eliud Kipchoge’s marathon dominance in a sensational fashion at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, setting a new world record.

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The athlete, who hails from Chepkorio in Elgeyo/Marakwet County, destroyed the road to reach in tape in 2:00.35. 

His record was so fast that it made many people around the world believe that it is possible for human beings to run a full marathon in under two hours without the help of technology.

Apart from the world record, Kiptum had also won the coveted 2023 London Marathon in April crossing the finishing line in an impressive time of 2:01.25.

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