Tergat's legacy secure as New Dawn shines on NOC-K

Paul Tergat almost seemed to breathe a sigh of relief after the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) finally held its elective congress on Monday, 21 July.

The outgoing NOC-K President and his administration had been in a race against time to deliver successful polls, having seen two previous attempts scuppered.

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There was outside pressure to do so from the International Olympics Committee (IOC), the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture in the National Assembly, athletes, the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT), and an inner drive to save face.

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It was, therefore, not a surprise to hear Tergat open up with the words: "I am happy and proud that the elections have finally come to an end," in his first remarks post the election.

A back and fourth battle played in courtrooms had ultimately reached a climax, with Shadrack Maluki being declared Tergat's successor in a close contest.

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Speaking to the press after the swift exercise in Nairobi, Tergat, who served two four-year terms at the helm of the Committee, said: "It's been a pleasure. I am very proud of what we have achieved.

NOC-K is now at a different level, and we are handing over an institution that is not in the state we found it. It is very solid now."

Perhaps understated in recent months, was a sense that Tergat wished his legacy at the helm of the Kenyan Olympic body remained in perfect health, befitting of a man who cleaned up the mess he found eight years ago, and built a strong institution devoid of what was trying to rear its head once again.

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Third time, it seemed, was the lucky charm.

"The process is finally over, and it's time to focus our programs to our athletes and sportsmen," the two-time Olympic silver medalist said. "We have a new office, and we have a lot of work. The programs are already ongoing, and we should be able to go faster."

Likening it to a baton-change, Tergat expressed confidence in handing over the role to another former athlete, with Maluki having been a judoka.

"I am happy to hand over to a man that is going to deliver also," Tergat said. "He is capable, and has been in the sport for many years. The elected are all professionals, and I believe they will take us forward to even a higher level."

It is a new dawn.