Why Kenyan male athletes are falling behind and struggling in major championships
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 24.02.25. | 09:19
At the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Kenyan women outshone their male counterparts
Kenya has long been known as a powerhouse in athletics.
However, recent trends have sparked concerns over the performance of the country's male athletes.
At the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Kenyan women outshone their male counterparts.
Faith Kipyegon delivered a historic double, winning gold in both the 1,500m and 5,000m races, while Mary Moraa dominated the 800m event.
These victories accounted for two-thirds of Kenya’s medals in the event.
Meanwhile, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo (10,000m) and Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m) were the only male silver medallists, while Abraham Kibiwot (3,000m steeplechase) and Jacob Krop (5,000m) settled for bronze.
A similar pattern emerged at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Kenyan women, once again, took the lead.
Kenya secured 11 medals; four gold, two silver, and five bronze to finish 17th overall among over 180 nations.
Of these medals, seven were won by female athletes, reinforcing concerns about the dwindling dominance of male runners.
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport during the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Championships press conference, Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei expressed worry over the decline in men's performance in major championships.
"What is happening to male athletes? Where are the male athletes? I hope this time, when we go to Tokyo, you will surpass the ladies. Sometimes it is good to challenge each other. Not only the athletes but even us as administrators to reflect on the state of athletics in Kenya," he posed.
Tuwei emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing the issue, calling for better coordination, engagement with athletes, and identifying any underlying challenges they may be facing.
"Part of solving the challenge is talking about it and asking the necessary questions. We need to work harder, coordinate activities better, and talk to the athletes about whether they have any issues or challenges so that we can all work together for better performance,” he offered.
While calling for improvement from male athletes, he also praised the continued excellence of female runners, encouraging them to keep raising the bar.
He gave an example that painted the picture of the situation.
In a recent seminar in Eldoret, an official from the Ministry of Gender made a compelling observation.
Two youth athletes; a boy and a girl of the same age and height were asked to look into each other’s eyes.
The girl held her gaze confidently, while the boy looked down.
From that example, Tuwei suggested that there may be deeper psychological or societal factors affecting male athletes’ confidence and competitiveness.
"What does that mean? That tells a lot," Tuwei noted.
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He assured that AK is committed to finding solutions, noting that the existing youth camps are key in engaging coaches more effectively.
"Our coaches are doing well, but soon, we will have to sit with them and ask what they experience and what we can do better," he averred.
With Kenya set to start preparations for the Tokyo World Championships, Tuwei noted that it will be a crucial test.
“We must all work together for better performance,” he concluded.
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