58-Year-Old Priscilla Biwott Wins Gold in 5,000M Africa Masters Athletics Championships

58-year-old marathoner Priscilla Biwott on Thursday helped Kenya clinch its first gold medal in a 5,000m race at the 14th Africa Masters Athletics Championships held in Pretoria, South Africa.

Biwott, who represented the country in a race for women marathoners who fall under the age bracket of 50 to 59 years, emerged the first after clocking 21:15.88.

Her closest rival, Elmarie Pretorius of South Africa, came second place in 21:23.25, and her compatriot Daleen Sonnekus came third in 21:15.12.

"History made! 58-year-old Priscilla Biwott secures Kenya's first gold medal in the Women's 5000m race at the 14th Africa Masters Athletics Championships in Pretoria, South Africa. A testament to Team Kenya's endless talent," read a statement by Team Kenya.

Pricilla Biwott after winning the 5000m race at the Africa Masters Athletics championships in South Africa on November 16

Photo

Peter Koima

Priscilla Biwott on Thursday landed in South Africa alongside fellow athletes for the continental competition. Biwott is the oldest member of the Kenya team that was led to South Africa by Rose Tata (Head of the delegation), Julius Kipkoech Chemitei (Assistant Manager) and Patrick Makau (Team Manager/Head Coach). 

Following her incredible win in South Africa, Biwott was also expected to represent Kenya's 10,000m race.

Biwott has been running for the past 40 years since her primary school days. 

 

In July, the mother of four beat 50 athletes younger than her and emerged 16th in a regional athletics tournament held in Kericho, which saw some runners drop out midway.

 

She also participated in charity races, including one where she participated in order to raise funds to buy shoes for refugees in Kenya.

 

The 58-year-old athlete encouraged the elderly to take part in athletics in order to keep fit and avoid diseases related to old age.

Other than Biwott, Kenya also sent Sylvia Chematui to compete in the 400m and 1,500m in the women’s 35-40 years category and Elizabeth Mutuka in the 200m and 400m in the 45 years and above category. 

Rebecca Kosoro (shot put, hammer, and javelin), Regina Mulatya (long and triple jump), Erick Sikuku (10km and 5km walk race) Kenneth Mburu (10,000m and cross country) also represented Kenya. 

Abednego Chesebe (200m and 400m), Mercy Jepkemboi Kiptoo (5,000m and X-country) and Geoffrey Kipkemboi Terer (800m and 1,500m) wrapped up the list. 

Team Kenya in South Africa for Africa Masters Athletics Championships

Photo

Rose Tata