Olympic heroine Chebet claims fourth SPOM Award, equals Okutoyi’s record
By Print Reporter, September 19, 2024
When Beatrice Chebet (pictured) won her third SJAK Sports Personality of the Month (SPOM) trophy in May 2024, she promised to take full advantage of the wide range of LG products awarded to the monthly winners.
True to her word, Chebet continues to dominate the LG-sponsored SJAK monthly awards, which were launched in 2018 to recognize high-achieving Kenyan athletes.
The SPOM Award has become a hallmark of trailblazers.
Many multiple-time winners of this coveted accolade, which was incepted in 2018, have gone on to conquer the sports world with zeal and determination.
In August 2024, the trailblazing Chebet tied Angela Okutoyi’s record of four SPOM awards, a rare distinction that has, so far, only been achieved by women athletes.
Chebet became the first-ever Kenyan woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the 10,000 meters in her debut at the Summer Games, where she also claimed gold in the 5,000 meters.
In 2022, Chebet won gold medals in the 5,000 meters at the Commonwealth Games, African Championships, and Diamond League, as well as a silver medal in the 5,000 meters at the World Championships.
She also secured gold at the 2023 and 2024 World Cross Country Championships.
Chebet’s success extends back to the 2018 World U20 Championships, where she won gold in the 5,000 meters, and the 2019 World Cross Country Championships, where she triumphed in the Junior Women’s section.
In July 2022, Okutoyi made history as the first Kenyan to win a Grand Slam title when she teamed up with Dutch player Rose Nijkamp to claim the Wimbledon Junior Tennis doubles crown.
The duo defeated the Canadian pair of Kayla Cross and Victoria Mboko 3-6, 6-4, 11-9.
Despite losing the opening set, Okutoyi and Nijkamp fought back in the second to force a tie-break, which they won in brilliant fashion.
“My prophecy has been fulfilled, and I’m winning this award time and time again. I would like to thank SJAK and LG for giving me this opportunity. I’m thrilled to have won a double in Paris and to be honored with the August trophy. Achieving this feat on my Olympic debut inspires me to push myself even further,” remarked Chebet as she accepted the SPOM August award.
“Winning the Diamond League overall trophy, which was also displayed at the SJAK function, makes this moment even more special,” she added.