Kenya to reward athletes for good show in Moscow

Asbel Kiprop of Kenya celebrates winning gold in the Men’s 1500 metres final during Day Nine of the 14th IAAF World Athletics Championships Moscow 2013 at Luzhniki Stadium on August 18, 2013 in Moscow, Russia. (Getty Images)

Nairobi, Aug 21 (IANS): The Kenyan government has promised to give cash awards of $17,200 to every gold medal winner, $8,735 and $5,750 for silver and bronze holders respectively, in recognition of the performance at the World Athletics event in Moscow.

Vice president William Ruto said Tuesday that this will be done at a function to be presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta, reports Xinhua.

The East African nation finished fourth overall, with five gold, four silver and three bronze medals, after the US, Russia and Jamaica, but failed to hit its 17 medal target.

Kenyan gold medalists were Kiplagat (marathon), Asbel Kiprop (1,500m), Milcah Chemos (3,000m steeplechase), Ezekiel Kemboi (3,000m steeplechase) and Eunic Sum (800m).

The International Association of Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) 14th meet ended in Moscow Aug 18.