Kipchoge, Chepkoech crowned SOYAs finest

World Marathon record holder and Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge was feted the overall 2018 SOYA Sports Personality of the Year, reclaiming after a sensational year that also saw him clinch the IAAF Male Athlete of the Year.

Kipchoge, who obliterated the men’s marathon world record in Berlin when he ran 2:01:39 at the German capital, also won the 2018 SOYA Male Sports Personality of the Year to seal a remarkable double at a glittering gala held at the iconic Fort Jesus in Mombasa County.

A smiling Kipchoge, who also won the London Marathon in April, received the top prize jointly from Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa, Mombasa County Governor Ali Hassan Joho, Special Guest Marie Talou and SOYA founder Dr. Paul Tergat.

World Steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech was crowned the 2018 SOYA Female Sports Personality of the Year after a barnstorming season in which she won seven of eight steeplechase finals she participated in.

The World 5000m champion Hellen Obiri, who won the award last year, settled for second place with rugby star Janet Okello rounding off the top three places.

Kwale Girls’ football team won the 2018 School Team of the Year, beating Trans Nzoia Girls hockey and Kwanthanze Girls volleyball teams.

It was a fitting reward for the soccer minnows who rose to stun seasoned sides by clinching the national title before capping a dream year by going on to win the East African title at the Regional Games staged in Musanze, Rwanda.

The Laiser Hill Academy team, winners of the national and East African rugby titles won the corresponding boys’ award ahead of St Anthony’s hockey team with the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) clinching the SOYA Federation of the Year award.

Athletics Kenya (AK), who won the award last year, came second behind the KSSSA with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) rounding off the top three places.

Overall Sports personality of the year

Eliud Kipchoge

Sportsman of The Year
Eliud Kipchoge.

Sportswoman of the year
Beatrice Chepkoech.

Sportsman living with a disability

Dickson Onduari

Sportswoman living with a disability

Jane Ndenga

Most Promising boy

Edward Zakayo

Most Promising girl

Angela Okutoyi

Federation of the year
KSSSA

Team of the Year Men

Harambee Stars

Team of The Year Women

Telkom Kenya

Coach of the Year

Kevin Wambua

Community Hero

Lawrence Karanja