When some Kenyans, like Keino, Temu, and Biwot, won on the world stage they put a lot of dreams in the hearts of young Kenyans.
Genetics must have something to do with their success. Most of the Kenyan stars are Kalenjin, a cluster of ethnic groups living on the western plateau above the Rift Valley. Their ancestors came down from northern Africa. Their language, culture, and physical appearance is strikingly different from the rest of Kenya’s ethnic groups.
However, their environment probably is the major contributing factor. They live at five to eight thousand feet above sea level. They are formal pastoralists, and even today most families have a dozen or more cattle. Milk and dairy products are a major part of their diet.
Kenyan distance runners are reign on tracks around the globe, but their sport is not dominant at home. There are a couple of high schools that have produced great runners year after year, most notably St. Patrick Iten. Each branch of the military recruits runners and gives them time to train fulltime. A very small crowd of spectators lines the course at the national cross-country championships to watch the selection of those who will go on to win the world championships in almost every division. The national track and field championships take place in a half full top quality stadium. But, local football (read soccer) matches sell out ever weekend. |
