Habari za Wiki - 3 August, 2021
From The Enda Community
First Time Impressions: Somali Ostrich Lapatets
Devin, @egyptx shared a quick unwrapping video, had this to say when he received his Somali Ostrich trainers:
“These shoes fit PERFECTLY! I ran in them yesterday and felt like I was in the Olympics🤣 (Maybe I should start training 🤔).”
Last week we launched the first of the new revamped Enda Lapatets: the Somali Ostrich color. We have been keen to hear your first impressions about them. If you have not grabbed a pair, and have been meaning to get yourself one, now would be a good time:
From Us At Enda
The Harambee Spirit
As runners, we are at our best when lifting up each other. It’s the spirit that defines our existence as a brand and a core value of Enda: the Harambee spirit.
While Kenyan’s are chasing golds at the big games, we decided to send some Mara golds to Dennis Cheruiyot, now popularly known as “the viral running student.” We can't wait to see him win a gold medal someday.
The Running News
There has been quite an uncertainty about Kenya’s performance at the big stage this year. Considering the spirited fight put forth by the Kenyan athletes, we can say, it might not be clear which colors, but we are definitely going for a bunch of those medals.
Re-Writing History: Ferdinand Omanyala
Seems like it's the beginning of a new era in the athletics competitions in Kenya as Ferdinand Omanyala set stunning new records and headlined the Kenyan team after reaching the 100M semi-finals. Unlike old times when Kenya was known for long-distance races, Ferdinand Omanyala put up an impressive run and came close to bringing it home. While Ferdinand did not make the cut to the finals, as he puts it, setting two national records in two days, beating his idol Yohan Blake, and running his eighth fastest time were the best of his highlights. He is certainly one athlete you should watch out for.
Innocent until proven otherwise
Another big blow for team Kenya was sprinter Mark Otieno was pulled out of the list hours before the big race. In an emotional post on Twitter Mark maintains he is innocent and denies claims of using banned substances. He further explains that he was disheartened to miss out on the big stage as it was a dream come true for him. He said: “My integrity as an athlete and an individual is paramount to me, and I hold in great honor the opportunity I have been given to represent my country on this global stage, as I have done many times in the past. As such, I would never engage in any activity that would jeopardize me or my teammates.”
As we exist to increase fairness, justice, and equality, we can only hope the truth comes out and if innocent the athlete is cleared of the doping ban.
It’s Silver for Hellen Obiri
In what has been widely referred to as a “one down, two to go” win, Netherlands' Sifan Hassan put up a fight to win the Women’s 5000m at the Games. Hassan is aiming for a gold treble with the 1500m and the 10,000m as well. World champion Hellen Obiri finished second in a time of 14:38.36, grabbing a second silver at the Games. Congratulations, Hellen Obiri, Agnes Tirop, and Lilian Kasait for putting up a formidable fight at the 5,000m.
Longstanding dominance broken
The over four decades of Kenya’s dominance in the 3000m was broken this week. Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali broke Kenya's stranglehold in a time of 8:08.90. Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma, finished second in 8:10.38 followed by Kenya’s Benjamin Kigen who grabbed a bronze in a time of 8:11.45.
On this one, we must say we also missed Kenya’s Conseslus Kipruto who did not qualify to make the Kenyan team for this race. Oh, and what a moment to reminisce on the sweet victory dances of Ezekiel Kemboi. Soon, we shall be back!
Magnificent duo weather the storm
Kenya’s 2019 world bronze medalist, Ferguson Rotich, and Emmanuel Korir keep our hopes alive at the Games. Despite a disappointing Saturday where Korir was disqualified in the 400M race for a false start, he did make amends. Korir finished second in a time of 1:44.74 to qualify for the finals. Rotich on the other hand also qualified top of his group to win the heat in a time of 1:44.04, and definitely gives us something to look forward to.
Non-Kenyan news
Selemon Barega shines
Ethiopia’s long-distance runner and the world 5000m silver medallist, Selemon Barega outsprinted commonwealth champion Joshua Cheptegei and his teammate Jacob Kiplimo.
In a timed final lap sprint that came with the first track title of the Games, Selemon Barega perfectly timed this lap to finish in a time of 27:43:22. That final surge by Selemon with the Ugandan duo closely reeling in is probably one of the most epic moments this past week. Taking home a silver medal, Cheptegei finished in 27:43.63 with his mate Jacob Kiplimo taking bronze in a time of 27:43.88.
Jamaican sprinters shine on the big stage
Elaine Thompson shows us that the impossible is just a word and that it can be done. Together with her teammates, the trio went ahead to clinch all three slots after an entertaining race and a new record for Elaine. All we know for a fact is these phenomenal women will inspire generations for a lifetime.
If you’re having fun in your Enda gear, make sure to tag us @EndaSportswear so we can share your adventures with the rest of the community!