Kenya’s legendary athlete, Kipchoge Keino, made history when he became the first recipient of the Olympic Laurel Award during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 5, 2016.

The Olympic Laurel Award was introduced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to recognize and honour the outstanding people who made significant achievements in education, culture, development and peace through sport and will always be presented in the opening ceremonies of subsequent Olympic games.

Kipchoge, who is the chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), is a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Kenya (1,500m, 1968 Mexico) and (3,000m steeplechase, 1972 Munich).

As I receive this award, I would like to thank my family and friends who have supported me in all,” said Kipchoge.

“Education supports not only empowers our youth to be better citizens and leaders of the future, but it will also mould them to connect positive change. Humanity depends on us to motivate them,” he said in his acceptance speech.

“We came to this world with nothing and we will leave with nothing, all you need is peace love and unity,”said Kipchoge after receiving the laurel,” he added.

TEAM KENYA IN FRESH DOPING SCANDAL

Kenyan athletics manager Michael Rotich was over the weekend recalled from Rio after he allegedly asked for a bribe to give warnings about doping tests.

According to an investigation by the Sunday Times newspaper and German television channel ARD Rotich was filmed by the two media demanding 10,000 pounds (Sh1.3 million) for agreeing to warn a British coach about imminent doping tests.

The report says that Rotich’s scandal is a blow to Kenya’s sporting reputation.

In April this year, Kenya adhered to the deadline given by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to pass a legislation on doping.