Athletes are renowned for representing the country on both local and international scales. However, the glitz and glam for the athletes are not always rosy because some end up languishing in poverty at the tail end of their careers.
In the case of Lonah Nyabochoa, her sheer hard work and determination for her wins in major races were substituted with a paltry payout.
While detailing her journey to Kenyans.co.ke, Nyabochoa noted that she is unable to uplift her livelihood through her earnings.
According to the athlete, she ran a total of seven races from October 2022 to the beginning of November 2022, but only walked away with Ksh15,000.
"There is a particular race that I won and got Ksh20,000, while I managed to still get a podium finish in most of the races. In total, I got Ksh200,224 (1,500 euros) for the seven races.
"But according to a contract one signs with the foreign government before the race, they cater for your expenses, ticket, visa, and accommodation but end up cutting those costs in the end.
"In this instance, they cut ticket expenses- Ksh18,666 (889 euros), also a 15 percent cut - as per the contract, and - Ksh8,809 (66euros) among other expenses which ultimately trickled down to Ksh15,000," she stated.
Nyabochoa also hailed her achievement in mid-2022 when she scooped the first position in Laus Half-marathon based in Italy.
According to the athlete, she was part of her initial management that had arranged the traveling details but has since shifted to new management - that handles her racing schedule.
Schedule
According to a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Nyabochoa is expected to race in Miami Half Marathon in Miami, Florida on January 29, 2023, Austin Half Marathon in Austin, Texas on February 19, 2023, and the Fresh 15K Road race in Tyler Texas on March 4, 2023.
"Lonah is among the many well-behaved and friendly athletes with good characters whenever they travel to running events worldwide. Lonah will be staying at 950 Grandview Meadows Dr. Longmont, CO 80503 between the competition," read part of the statement from Transworld International Sports.
She expressed optimism that she would pocket a good sum of money in the three races in the USA.
Plea
The chance for Nyabochoa to represent the flag high in the three races is, however, dim as she is unable to pay the Ksh20,000 American Visa fee.
While revealing the role of the current management, she noted that they promised to cater for her accommodation and other expenses if she is able to acquire her visa- to which the cost will be deducted from her proceeds.
