Analysis of Kenyan Athletics in 2012

As we bid farewell to 2012, its time for an in-depth analysis of Athletics in Kenya for the year. It has been another fantastic year in terms of performances from the athletes who enabled Kenya sustain its good name as one of the top Athletics nations in the world. However, it’s also important to have a critical look at the decisions, policies and events that helped shape the athletics year.

So here’s my perspective on the positive and negative aspects of the athletics year.

One of the best things to happen this year was the Government’s initiative to reward medal winning athletes with significant cash prizes. It was a tremendous pat on the back for the winners and a motivational tool for future winners.

The highlight of the year was David Rudisha breaking the world record and winning gold in the London Olympics in what was regarded as the performance of the Games.

Elite and upcoming athletes benefited from a major workshop to educate them on the importance of financial planning and media training and to help them deal with the challenges of professional athletics.

Major sponsorships for local athletics events  by local conglomerates  were much appreciated. However, more sponsorships and promotions were needed to market many of the athletics events, as there were tremendous opportunities in supporting events in which some of the best athletes in the world are vying for spots for major championships.

Having said that, there were many other events organized by athletes both past and present, individuals and corporations to raise awareness for different causes that were enthusiastically supported by local sponsors. Some examples of this included the Standard Chartered Marathon, the Tecla Loroupe Peace Run, and the Lewa Marathon.

However, the biggest disappointment was the performance of Kenya's athletes at the London Olympics. Coming from a high in Daegu in 2011, Many had high expectations for Kenya to replicate its success at the highest level but disappointingly left London with only 2 Gold.

AK’s policy to issue invitations to only top athletes to the trials was discouraging the development of young athletes looking to break into the elite ranks.

The policy to select the first 2 automatically and the third by committee, has brought about many suspicions and frustrations.

Case in point, AK's new thinking of taking 15 10,000 meters athletes for selection at the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon didn't produce any results at the London Olympics. Furthermore that mini trials locked out new and upcoming athletes from trying their luck at making the team.

  

Other weaknesses were the lack of technical expertise availed to athletes and coaches in the sprints and field events. There was also a deficiency of developmental programs to nurture talent of young sprinters.

Despite all the weaknesses, the future of Kenyan athletics looks bright and I am looking forward to another exciting year with a new set of challenges.

Best wishes for the New Year!