Historic victory for Kenya at the World Masters Indoor Athletics
By Emmanuel.Masinde, March 29, 2023
Eric Shikuku won the first gold medal for Kenya in the ongoing World Masters Indoor Athletics Championships in Torun, Poland.
Shikuku (former national 20km race walk champion) emerged the victor in the 3000m walking race clocking 12.34.62 minute.
Munoz Gozalez of Mexico and Slooten Van of the Netherlands won silver and bronze after crossing the finish line in 13.31.78 and 14.05.83 respectively.
Shikuku put on his devastating last kick, widening the gap more, while Gozalez’s facial expression showed his frustration and pain in trying to keep up with the pace.
He strolled on to victory, becoming the first ever man and master to win first gold in the World Masters Indoor Athletics Championships.
In the 8km cross country men’s category, Kenneth Mburu won the title clocking 25.32.7 making it the second gold for Kenya.
In the women’s long jump, Regina Mulatya did her best emerging second after clearing 5.46m, being her debut medal in the world showpiece.
During an interview, the two-timer gold medalist in the Africa Masters Athletics (AFMA) said: “I thank the Almighty God for the silver medal, being my first time to compete in the world indoor, I really tried my best in an event of such stature.”