SOYA patron Paul Tergat believes the Sports Personality of the Year Awards will continue to focus on nurturing talent and building belief among young athletes as the country’s most prestigious sporting celebration marks its 23rd edition in March.
Tergat expects this year’s gala to be bigger and more impactful, with the awards entering a new phase that places youth development, succession and long-term growth of sport at its core.
“SOYA was never about trophies alone. It is about building belief, especially in young people who think failure is the end, when in truth it is often the beginning,” Tergat said.
The former marathon world record holder, who is also the former National Olympic Committee of Kenya president and an International Olympic Committee member, noted that the awards have evolved beyond an annual ceremony into a platform for inspiration and mentorship.
His philosophy is shaped by his own journey, one defined by early setbacks that ultimately fuelled global success. While serving in the Kenya Defence Forces, Tergat discovered his athletic talent and qualified for the 1992 World Cross Country Championships, only to miss the global stage due to injury and lack of winter preparation.
Rather than derail him, the disappointment sharpened his discipline and ambition, launching a career that delivered five consecutive World Cross Country titles, Olympic medals and marathon dominance.
Founded in 2004, SOYA has grown into Kenya’s premier annual celebration of sporting excellence, recognising athletes, teams, coaches, schools and administrators who have excelled both locally and internationally.
Over time, the awards have also become a platform for youth engagement, mentorship and the promotion of values such as discipline, integrity and national pride.
As the 23rd edition approaches, SOYA is positioning itself not just as a one-night event but as a long-term movement aimed at identifying, supporting and inspiring the champions of tomorrow.
The most recent gala celebrated a golden year for Kenyan athletics, with Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Beatrice Chebet crowned Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, respectively.
Wanyonyi claimed the men’s award after a breakthrough season that saw him win 800m gold at the Paris Olympics and secure the Diamond League title, establishing himself as the world’s dominant two-lap runner.
Chebet, meanwhile, enjoyed one of the most outstanding seasons in Kenyan athletics history. She defended her World Cross Country crown, broke the 10,000m world record, sealed a historic Olympic double in the 5,000m and 10,000m, and capped the year by winning the Diamond League trophy.
Beyond individual honours, the awards also recognised rising teams and grass-roots excellence. The Junior Starlets were named Women’s Team of the Year following a strong international campaign, while All Saints, Embu, clinched the Boys’ School Team of the Year title after national and East African rugby success.
As preparations continue, Tergat says the awards will once again spotlight the stories behind the medals, using the SOYA platform to inspire a new generation and ensure the celebration remains relevant to Kenya’s evolving sporting landscape.
by CHARLENE MALWA
