Daniel Simiu reveals comeback plan after pain of watching Kenya miss out on 10000m podium
.jpg)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 24.09.25. | 15:04
Kenya's last title on the global stage dates back to 2001 when Charles Waweru Kamathi beat Ethiopian duo of Assefa Mezgebu and Haile Gebrselassie
World Athletics Championships 10000m silver medalist from Budapest, 2023, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo watched at home as Kenya finished outside the podium places at this year's event.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
The race, held on Sunday, 14 September, saw former World U20 Cross Country champion Ismael Kipkurui finish outside the podium places in 28:56.48.
This is the first time a Kenyan has missed out on the podium in the distance since Daegu, 2011.
In 2019, Rhonex Kipruto settled for bronze but was later banned, upgrading Andamlak Belihu to the bronze medal.
The result prompted Simiu to head to social media, pouring his heart out about his feelings over the same.
"There comes a time when the fire inside a runner burns too strongly to be contained. For me, that time is now. I have carried the weight of watching my beloved country, Kenya, miss out on a medal in the 10,000m — an event that has always been our pride, our heritage, and our heartbeat.
Each time the podium stood without our flag raised high, I felt a deep pain, not just as an athlete, but as a son of this land that has given the World Champions," his statement starts.
After his considerable success in 2022 and 2023, Ebenyo was looking forward to the Paris Olympics, but the then world number one was notably absent from the Games due to a selection oversight by Athletics Kenya.
Ebenyo transitioned to road racing, making his official marathon debut at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, finishing an impressive fifth with a time of 2:06:04.
"Now, I am ready to step back onto the track, not just to compete, but to redeem the glory we once held firmly. I return with determination sharpened by sacrifice, with strength built in silence, and with the hope of millions carried in every stride.
This is not just about me. It is about Kenya, about restoring the rhythm of our footsteps on the track, about bringing back the medal that belongs to our nation.
The road will not be easy, but the spirit of redemption is alive in me. And when the gun goes off, I will run with the pain of the past, the pride of the present, and the promise of victory for my people," he continues.
Kenya's last title on the global stage dates back to 2001, when Charles Waweru Kamathi beat the Ethiopian duo of Assefa Mezgebu and Haile Gebrselassie to the title.
"Kenya will rise again in the 10,000m — and I am ready to lead that rise," the statement concludes.
