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.
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.
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.