Wanyonyi, Chebet shine as Junior Starlets named Team of the Year at SOYA Awards

Olympic champions Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Beatrice Chebet headlined the 21st Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA), held Thursday night at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.

Wanyonyi and Chebet, who shared three gold medals between them at the 2024 Paris Olympics, walked away with the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards respectively.

Wanyonyi, who clinched gold in the men's 800 metres and dominated the event throughout the season, edged out Benson Kipruto, Ronald Kwemoi, basketballer Albert Odero and boxer Boniface Mugunde for the top men's honour.

Chebet, who delivered a golden double in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at the Paris Games, beat an elite field that included 1,500 metres Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon, Boston Marathon winner Hellen Obiri, world marathon record holder Ruth Chepng’etich, and steeplechase bronze medallist Faith Cherotich.

Other winners on the night included;

Sportsman With Disability: Samson Ojuka (para-athletics)

Sportswoman With Disability: Michelle Chepng’etich (para-athletics)

Coach of the Year: Mildred Cheche (Junior Starlets – football)

Team of the Year (Women): Junior Starlets (football)

Team of the Year (Men): Nairobi City Thunder (basketball)

School Coach of the Year: Benson Mwenda (All Saints Embu – XVs Rugby)

Boys’ School Team of the Year: All Saints Embu (XVs Rugby)

Girls’ Team of the Year: Kesogon Girls Secondary School (volleyball)

Hall of Fame Inductee: John Bobby Ogolla (former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars defender)

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• Chebet shine as Junior Starlets named Team of the Year at SOYA Awards