NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25- Until October 30 last year, few would have bet on Wilson Kipsang making the Kenyan marathon team for the London Olympics.

If you go further back, roughly seven years ago, he was an unassuming Kenya Police Constable serving in the far-flung border town of Isebania, Kuria District where his usual days were spent reeling in those found in foul of the law.

"Yes, I actually did police work, arresting offenders, settling disputes, investigating cases and appearing in court as a prosecution witness," the two-time Frankfurt and now London Marathon titleholder asserted.

Before that, the current blue eyed boy of marathon running had tried his hand as a salesman,peddling maize, potatoes and charcoal from their family and neighbouring farms in Egerton.

"After running business for three years, I attended recruitment for Kenya Police and was successful and I was off to Kiganjo Police Training College,"he told.

It was at the force where at the encouragement of established runners, he reconnected with his running talent that was prevalent in his learning days at Muskut Primary and Tambach Secondary schools.

"Commonwealth Games and Africa 3,000 metres steeplechase champion Richard Mateelong and Suleiman Simotwo have thriving careers in athletics and they pushed me to do well,"he recounted.

Using income from his salary as a constable, Kipsang invested in training shoes and kit and after requesting his superiors for time off to train in 2005, the aspiring athlete was granted leave to train at the high altitude area of Kaptagat where the seeds of his bludgeoning career were sown.

Fast forward to May 2012, Kipsang is justifiably touted as the first pick among the aspiring heirs to the crown won by fellow Kenya Police officer, the late Samuel Wanjiru, who made history in Beijing as the first man from his nation to bag the Olympics Marathon title.

Wanjiru's winning performance of 2:06:32 accounts for the championship record and for Kipsang, the driving aim is to ensure the ultimate distance title does not escape Kenya Police custody on August 12.

"It is very important because the defending champion is no longer there so as Wilson Kipsang,the aim is to go there on his behalf and defend the title.

"I'm focused very well on the Olympics. I have to make sure the speed, long runs and healthy are in order before the Games,"Kipsang declared.

During the Kenya Police Championships that ran a fortnight ago, Kipsang was at the centre of attraction as his mates sought his attention as he got a first taste of the weight of expectations placed on his shoulders.

Many posed for photos as they engaged the man they believe will nail his country and Kenya Police flag in the middle podium mast in hearty banter and words of encouragement.

"My expectations in London are go for the gold but there is pressure since it will be very competitive. We have tough guys from Ethiopia and do not forget even our own Kenyans but I believe we shall work together to ensure that this gold returns home,"he explained.

Kipsang who was fourth in the men 10000m race where he raced 28:41.3 said the workout was crucial to his build-up for the main event.

"I came here to see whether my body has recovered from London. I toured the Olympics course and I have to ensure that I can run faster through the corners and climb the many hills faster during training but other than that, my programme remains the same."

Kipsang, who will team up with double world gold medallist, Abel Kirui and Chicago Marathon record holder, Moses Mosop in London has seen his ultimate distance career soar in the last two years.

Having finished third (2:07:13) in the 2010 Paris Marathon in April, he went on to place himself firmly on the map when he won that year's Frankfurt race in a then course record of 2:04:57, the third fastest time of the year in October.

Having won the Otsu Marathon in March (2:06:13) in March last year,Kipsang stole headlines on October 30 when he defended his Frankfurt crown in 2:03:42 that was only four second shy of the world record set by Patrick Makau in Berlin barely three weeks prior.

In his World Marathon Majors debut in London on April 22, he blew away one of the most potent fields that has ever been assembled for a marathon that included five of his rivals for the Olympics ticket when once again, he missed Emmanuel Mutai’s course record by four seconds!The clock stopped at 2:04:44.

"I have no idea what it is with number four but having come close twice, I believe the next time I will be on top by the same margin. I felt great in London such that at some point, I had to go to the pacemakers and pick up the pace,"Kipsang told of his close brush with history.

"I know I'm one of the favourites for the Olympics and this means I have to train even harder since everyone will be out to use me as a target,"the official holder of the number 2 fastest marathon mark of all time underlined.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the Cambridge high school graduate who fashioned himself into an Islamic warrior against America, was convicted Wednesday in a sweeping verdict that held him responsible for the terrorist attacks that killed three people and injured more than 260 nearly two years ago at the Boston Marathon finish line.
Tsarnaev, now 21, showed no emotion as the court clerk took more than 20 minutes to read the guilty verdict on each of the 30 charges he faced. The charges included the fatal shooting of MIT Police Officer Sean Collier, the carjacking and robbery of a businessman, and a firefight with police in Watertown that left an
MBTA police officer gravely injured.
 

The jury of seven women and five men deliberated for just over 11 hours before reaching its verdict.

The guilty findings were largely expected after Tsarnaev’s lawyers admitted his complicity in the bombings in opening statements, but it was a highly charged moment for the bombing’s survivors and for a city shaken by the events of April 15, 2013.

Before the jury entered, a court officer had warned those in the courtroom to contain their emotions.

So the courtroom went silent as the verdicts were read, save for the shuffling of paper. Tsarnaev fidgeted at times, folding his hands in front of him, crossing his arms, touching his face. Jurors were stonefaced as the clerk read their verdict.

The same jury that convicted Tsarnaev will now consider in a separate phase of the trial whether he should be sentenced to death. The jury could begin hearing that case as soon as Monday.

By the time the judge excused the jury Wednesday, the lanky defendant darted away from the defense table faster than usual, seemingly eager to leave the courtroom where he had just been convicted of heinous crimes that could lead the jury to sentence him to death.

Wednesday’s verdict was welcomed by some of the bombing survivors, many of whom have made their way to the courthousethroughout the trial, some on prosthetic legs. The families of Tsarnaev’s victims also attended.

“We are thankful that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev will be held accountable for the evil that he brought to so many families,” said a statement from the family of Collier. “The strength and bond that everyone has shown during these last two years proves that if these terrorists thought they would somehow strike fear in the hearts of people, they monumentally failed,” the statement said.

Hundreds of people were injured in the Marathon blasts, including 17 who lost limbs.

The three who were killed were Krystle Marie Campbell, 29, who grew up in Medford and was a well-known restaurant and event caterer; Lingzi Lu, a 23-year-old Boston University graduate student from China; and Martin Richard, an 8-year-old Dorchester boy whose family made the Marathon an annual family outing.

William Richard, Martin’s father, gave emotional testimony during the trial, describing how he made the difficult decision to help his gravely injured daughter while his wife, Denise, tended to their dying son. Both parents sat in the second row of the courtroom Wednesday as the verdict was read. William Richard later put his hand on the shoulder of one of the prosecutors in a quiet sign of thanks.

Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, who ran the 2013 Marathon and then returned to help direct the response, was sitting in the second row roughly 15 feet behind Tsarnaev when the verdicts were read.

“I couldn’t help but think about all the evil he has committed, all the lives he destroyed forever, and how someone could be so destructive,” Evans later said in an interview.

He said he hoped the verdicts would allow Tsarnaev’s victims and the survivors of the attacks to get “some sense of satisfaction, some sense of closure coming from knowing the person that committed such a malicious act was held accountable.”

Seven hours into deliberations, the jury sent the judge two notes. They wanted to know the definition of aiding and abetting, which the judge explained is a defendant’s action to intentionally help another person commit a criminal offense.

The jurors also asked about the criminal conspiracy — wanting to know how long the charged conspiracy lasted. The judge told them they would have to decide.

Ultimately, they found him guilty of each count, and each question that cited the murders and injuries of the victims — enhancements that allow for the death penalty.

At the start of the trial the defense acknowledged their client’s guilt but — in an effort to save his life — used the trial to place the blame on Tsarnaev’s older brother and accomplice, Tamerlan, who they say was the mastermind of the attacks. Their client, they argued, was emotionally vulnerable and lured into this terrorist scheme — and thus he should be spared the death penalty, the ultimate punishment. Defense lawyers are expected to expand on that argument in the second phase of the trial.

Throughout the trial, which included 95 witnesses over 16 days of testimony, prosecutors sought to portray the brothers as equal partners who marched down Boylston Street and into a crowd of people just before 3 p.m. on Marathon day. Tamerlan Tsarnaev stopped in front of Marathon Sports, where he set off the bomb that killed Campell. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev stopped outside the Forum restaurant, where he placed a bomb behind where the Richard family was watching the race. Lu was walking by when it exploded.

Then, authorities say, the brothers just left.

Less than a half hour later, Tsarnaev bought milk at a Whole Foods in Cambridge. The next day he exercised at a gym at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth where he was a student.

After the Marathon bombings, he tweeted, “Ain’t no love in the heart of the city. Stay safe, people.” He later wrote, “I’m a stress-free kind of guy.”

The case took a significant turn three days after the bombings, when the FBI released a photo of the brothers in an attempt to identify them. That is when they shot and killed Collier and tried to steal his gun, then carjacked a young entrepreneur driving a Mercedes.

Prosecutors say the brothers intended to drive to New York City, armed with more bombs to carry out more attacks.

That plot ended when officials tracked the stolen Mercedes to Watertown, and a firefight ensued.

The brothers threw four pipe bombs at responding officers — only two of those bombs exploded — and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev threw a pressure cooker bomb that shook the neighborhood. Tamerlan Tsarnaev shot at officers. When the gun jammed, he ran at officers and they subdued him.

That is when, according to testimony in the trial, his younger brother drove at the officers and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, dragging him roughly 30 feet. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was found roughly 17 hours later, hiding in a parked boat a few blocks away.

Defense attorney Judy Clarke asked jurors in her closing arguments Monday to keep an open mind during the sentencing phase of the trial, when she will be allowed to elaborate on Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s influence on a vulnerable teenager, and to be open “to what more there is to learn, and to what more there is to understand.”

During the next phase, which is also expected to last about a month, prosecutors are expected to call victims who could testify about how their lives have been irrevocably changed, to show that Tsarnaev’s crimes were so heinous he deserves the death penalty.

US Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz looked ahead after the verdicts were read.

“As we enter this next [sentencing] phase,” she said in a statement, “we are focused on the work that remains to be done.”

BOSTON---If Boston wins the hotly contested bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, individuals, small and large for profit and non-profit organizations, as well as entire communities will benefit from a massive influx of business for the entire period leading up to the 1 month-long games, and long after the closing ceremony.

The prediction was issued by Rich Davey,CEO of the Boston 2024Olympics organizing committee while addressing an ethnic media round-table meeting at the committee headquarters at Marina Park in Boston on Thursday last week.

"There will be unprecedented opportunities that will come as a result of these games coming to Boston.This is what has happened to other cities that hosted past Olympics like London and Beijing.It is said that London overtook Paris to become the most widely traveled to city in Europe after hosting the 2012Olympics."

"There will be lots of long term construction jobs, tourism will increase tremendously with increased visitors, lots of opportunities for many small businesses like caterers, food trucks, travel companies, accommodation, transportation and more," added Davey.

Davey urged members of the immigrant communities of color in the state to come out and get involved in supporting Boston's bid to host the games as well as strive to take part in the many opportunities to be created by the popular games.

Flanked by Erin Murphy, the Boston 2024 Chief Operating Officer (C.O.O), Davey said that there was a great support among communities of color for the Boston Olympics bid as they understand the power of sports at such games.

According to developments this week, the committee has voiced support for a proposed statewide referendum among residents of Massachusetts who will vote on whether the games should be allowed to take place in Boston or not.

Some quarters of Boston residents have voiced their opposition to the games being hosted in the city, citing potential congestion and disruptions to transit systems among other concerns.

Should voters decide against Boston hosting the games, then the committee said that it will drop the bid and respect the will of the people, according to several media reports.

However, during the ethnic media conference, the committee sounded upbeat about the possibility of building support across many communities, including those of color.

"We are urging the communities of color in the entire commonwealth to come out and get involved in supporting and promoting the bid so that when the decision is made in 2 and a half years in Lima, Peru, we will be ready to go and they will not be left out of the massive opportunities."

"There are many ways you can support the committee in this process. First of all is to spread the word by sending a blast email, write a letter to the editor, and join the Boston 2024 Social media team via twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.  You can also volunteer, attend a community meeting near you, or even organize an event to support the bid," said Murphy, the C.O.O

Indicating that Boston is a great sports town that boasts a huge population of new immigrants who sometimes understand the power of sports more than the local Americans, the officials predicted that the games will boost Boston in many more ways that just influx of money and long-term opportunities.

The organizers said that Olympics bring together different cultures of the world for a whole month of fun and excitement at various events that showcase different cultures.

"Nothing brings people together than sports. New immigrants bring the power of different games to Boston like soccer, volleyball, boxing, athletics and many more. We therefore want the immigrant community to benefit from the opportunities that will open up, and help our communities get better,” Rich Davey told over a dozen representatives of ethnic media present.

"According to the cultural Olympiad, the Olympics require organizers to make room for cultural events to go alongside the games. In 2012, there were over 300 cultural events in London including the huge Shakespearean Festival.This is another huge opportunity for ethnic communities," added Murphy.

The officials said that the organizing committee is committed to hosting sustainable, environmental and transit friendlyOlympics to make the experience as pleasant as possible both for competitors,fans and local residents.

"July 2024 is the games time,the Olympics should help get done things that we care about especially improvements in transportation infrastructure and equipment. There will be many sustainable housing developments that will come up such as the expected extension of the green line to Somerville and Cambridge. We will also support other ideas that people may come up with," said Davey, who formerly worked as the Mass. Port Chairman and Transportation Secretary under former Governor, Deval Patrick.

He added that the games will also heavily involve other nearby regional airports like TF Green in Rhode Island and Manchester Airport in New Hampshire.

"This is pretty exciting. Our bid talks about making games workable and transit friendly.You can jump into the Red or Green Line and be in a games venue in a couple of minutes. We are planning to have a temporary 60,000 seat stadium built in East Boston for the opening and closing ceremonies, in order to avoid building big things we will not need after the games are over. We will think through the sustainability and trash collection" he added while taking questions from journalists present.

The CEO said that the committee is also planning to build an Olympics village at Umass Boston for the convenience of the competitors and officials.

Calling up on individuals and community organizations in the ethnic communities in Boston to get involved,Murphy revealed that the Boston 2024 committee already has over 924 volunteers who are working to help bring the games home. 

She urged members of the ethnic communities to observe the annual Olympicsday slated for June 23^rd by attending various track and field events planned.

Boston was selected by unanimous vote after several rounds of voting by the board of the US Olympics Committee (USOC) back in January this year, to represent the United States in its bid for the opportunity to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.It beat 4 other finalist cities:Los Angeles,San Francisco and Washington,D.C, from among 35 that had originally expressed desire to host the games.

According toTeamUSA.org, the U.S last hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 1996 (Atlanta).St. Louis hosted in 1904 and Los Angeles held the Games in both 1932 and 1984. 
 
If it wins the bid, Boston will compete against other major world cities including Rome, Hamburg, Paris, and Intanbul. South Africa and Kenya are also toying with the idea of hosting the 2024 summer Olympics or the 2028 edition.

Responding to an inquiry from Ajabu Africa News after the conference, Rich Davey sounded more optimistic about the chances that Boston has to win the bid.

"The world knows us and they send their children in the best colleges and Universities available in Boston. We get a lot of visitors who come here for medical treatment in the best hospitals in the world available and we are a sports city. We are also a Sea Port city and there is something renewing about the seal. We are hopeful that we will bring these games to Boston. But we also count on the support of everyone out there to make it happen," he said.

Kenya,South Africa and Ethiopia are the top 3 most competitive African countries at the Olympics hauling multiple gold, silver and bronze medals in different categories, drawing huge interest among fans.

To join Boston 2024 as a volunteer, send an email to: volunteer@2024Boston.org.

To learn more about the upcoming Boston 2024 community events near your area, click here >>>

BOSTON--So close was the margin of victory during Monday's women's division race at the Boston Marathon that even the announcer on the loudspeakers also got caught up and declared Mare Dibaba the Ethiopian, who had been leading for most of the race the winner.

Taking cue from the announcer, Kenyan fans present, including the Ambassador to the US, five visiting members of Parliament, and a popular Kenyan musician present took in a deep breath in an apparent acceptance of a number two slot, and in readiness for a really bad day as things on the still ongoing men's race did not look so promising, with two Ethiopians leading Kenyan men by a comfortable margin all the way to the end.

Then all of a sudden, the Kenyan national anthem blared from the loud speakers as Boston Mayor, Marty Walsh presented the women's division winner's trophy to non -other than, well, Calorine Rotich from Kenya!

Soon after, Ambassador Robinson Githae, the five MPs and Jaguar the music artiste started exchanging high fives in realization that at least Kenya took the women's title despite failing to reclaim the men's title thy lost last year to USA's Meb Keflezighi.

Meb finished a distant 8^th during Monday's marathon.

"This is very exciting.The race was too close and it is good to know that our ladies won the race. I congratulate Caroline Rotich for the hard earned victory. Our men also their best and although they did not take the title, we hope next year they will win it," said the Ambassador as he cheerfully waved the Kenyan flag while bundled in special cold weather gear provided to VIP's braving the cold chilly weather in Boston at the time.

"I am very glad that I was able to come here and join other Kenyans to cheer our runners. We are very proud of them," he added.

"We congratulate all our runners for the great effort they put in, especially the winner, Caroline Rotich, and Wesley Korir, the members of Parliament who ran and came in number 5," said Hon. Dan Wanyama, MP for Webuye West while talking to Ajabu Africa News.

Wanyama, whose son Tom Bush Wamukota, plays in the NCCA basketball for Wichita State University suggested that Wesley Korir, the MP who run the race to be accorded a standing ovation in Parliament once they return to Kenyan.

"Running and finishing this marathon is not an easy thing, especially for an MP like Honorable Korir who has a lot of other things to deal with in his constituency back home. I suggest members of Parliament to give him a standing ovation for this effort once we return back home," he added.

Describing the race as tough, Rotich the winning star said that she realized in the final minutes as they throttled down Boylston Avenue towards the finish line that she still had some juice left in the tank and if she applied a bit of a "kick", she could overtake the highly competitive Ethiopian.

"I felt I had a kick in me on the final stretch. So I decided to go for it and I am happy I was able to break the tape first," she told Ajabu Africa during an interview at the Fairmont Copley Place as she took pictures with Ambassador Githae, the members of Parliament and several fans who had made their way into the hotel.
 
An equally excited Dr. Isaya Okwiya, Rotich's manager of Kenyan descent who is also a family medicine doctor based in Baltimore Maryland said that he was overjoyed for the win.

"I am glad we came to Boston and won this thing.It's a great feeling," he said.

Later in the evening, the Kenyan Ambassador attended the official awards ceremony where all top ten elite winners were recognized and awarded.

During the event, the Boston Marathon Association (B.A.A) officials recognized the presence of Ambassador Githae at the awards ceremony.

"We are glad to announce the presence of a very special guest here tonight. Please help me welcome the Kenyan Ambassador to the US, Robinson Githae. Ambassador Githae was here all day to cheer the Kenyan runners," said the one of the BAA officials drawing a thunderous applause from several hundred guests present including dozens of Kenyan fans.

"The Ambassador was also in Boston to attend the Boston Kenyan Festival," he added drawing more applause.

The Ambassador and Kenyan fans then took pictures with the winning Kenyan before parting ways and promising to be back in full swing next year.

BOSTON--A dramatic last minute kick saw Kenya's elite marathon runner, Caroline Rotich beat Ethiopia's epic runner, Mare Dibaba with barely 4 seconds to win the Women's division Boston Marathon with Kenya's envoy and 5 members of parliament cheered the stands.

Rotich broke the tape at 2.24.55 after the searing 26.2 mile race after sensationally overtaking Dibaba within the final seconds to claim $150,000 in winner's prize cash.

However, disappointment engulfed Kenyan fans that included Kenya's ambassador to the US. Robonson Njeru Githae and 5 visiting Kenyan members of Parliament after Kenyan elite male runners, among them one Member of Parliament failed to win in Boston for the second year in a row.

The male division was taken by Ethiopia's Lesisa Desisa (2:09:17) followed by compatriot, Yemane Tsegay.

Kenya's Wilson Chebet came in third, with countrymen, Wilson Kipyengo finishing fourth and Wesley Korir, the Boston 2012 champion and now member of Parliament finishing in the fifth position followed by Frankline Chepkwony, the only other Kenyan elite runner to finish in the top ten position.

The members of Parliament present to cheer Kenyan runners were Hon Agostino Neto (Ndhiwa), Hon. Victor Munyaka (Machakos), Hon. Dan Wanyama (Webuye), Hon. Ursula Ng'eny (Uasin Gishu), Hon. Paul Otuoma ( Funyula).

Kenya's pop music entertainer popularly known as Jaguar was also present to watch the unfolding drama.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS STORY. CHECK BACK LATER FOR DETAILS & PICS
 

Eliud Kipchoge led a Kenyan clean sweep of the podium places as he won the men's London Marathon on Sunday in a time of two hours, four minutes and 41 seconds.

Filipino media are reporting that the legacy of Manny Pacquiao is untainted by his loss to Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in their mega fight in Las Vegas. But some wonder whether the scandal over his injury could be a different story.

Since the May 2 fight, Pacquiao has been dogged with controversy over claims that a shoulder injury hampered him during the bout. In a press conference immediately after the fight, Pacquiao admitted that he had a torn rotator cuff, but claimed he was not allowed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission to take an anti-inflammatory shot even when he had asked for it. In a report on that press conference byGMA News Online, the Filipino boxer stated that he didn't want to complain and that "it was part of the game."

Philippine News also reported on the press conference, citing "the right shoulder injury which he suffered several weeks ago [during training]-was severe enough to get Pacquiao contemplating on postponing the fight-but the fighter stated he didn't want to make any alibis."

The injury scandal has sparked criticism and even lawsuits against Pacquiao and his promoters for allegedly not disclosing the injury. Some wonder if his defeat and the controversy in its wake will mar his status as the Philippine People's Champion, an elected official in his homeland and a hero to the Filipino diaspora.

"No, not at all," says Nicholas von Wettberg, managing and sports editor for the weeklyFilAm Star, who has covered Pacquiao's last 12 fights. "I think Manny's legacy is secure, his stature in the Philippines will always be the one of highest regard--Think about it, we’ve talked about the Philippine--we've talked about the Filipino people for years and years now, on a platform that would not have been there had Manny Pacquiao [not been there]."

Von Wettberg adds that one factor that Pacquiao is also widely admired for might explain his mindset about the shoulder tear. "I think it all comes down to once again, Manny's faith," says von Wettberg. "Once the injury took place, the faith kind of kicked in."

Von Wettberg believes that Pacquiao thought he was going to be fine, up until the fight. He explains, "I saw his smile…even when he made his entrance. The time that I saw fear in his face was when he finally got into the ring. That's when I think he knew that his faith could only get him so far.. and that now he was going have to fight the fight…and that physically, he knew that he wasn't ready for the fight."

Manila Mailvia INQUIRER.net reports that the public's admiration for Pacquiao was evident inside the MGM Grand Arena on fight night, "as the audience's cheers and applause each time Manny scored were thunderous. In the Philippines and around the world, millions rooted for the charismatic and God-fearing prizefighter."

Joseph Peralta, NorCAL VP/GM and associate editor of Asian Journal, agrees that Pacquiao remains well respected for his legacy, but believes the injury scandal might affect the fighter's image. He says that before the controversy erupted, Pacquaio's stature was intact. "People in the boxing world were empathetic to him, even when he lost--Evander Holyfield was saying, he thinks Pacquiao should have won," he adds. Everybody was saying he was the people's champ."

With the fallout casting a cloud on Pacquiao's revered status, Peralta thinks Pacquiao will overcome it and can win back the public's admiration, especially among his fellow countrymen who might doubt him now. "Filipinos always love this situation where you do wrong, and then you repent, when you revert back to your faith-- [and say], 'I've seen the error of my ways,' explains Peralta. "Filipinos love that."

Peralta believes Pacquiao's philanthropy is also at the core of why many continue to support him. "I think at the core, he really is genuine about giving, in the charity that he does." Reports state that Pacquiao intends to donate about half of his earnings from this latest fight to charities.

But in Asian Journal's coverage of community sentiments before the fight, and in his own circle, Peralta adds, it was ultimately not about Manny winning. "This fight was deemed as the most important fight he'll have in his career, because he was battling a person who has not lost."

That's echoed by columnist Emil Guillermo in hisINQUIRER.net op-ed, saying Pacquiao is "the most distinguished overseas Filipino worker today," someone he says "embodies the modern global Filipino who must go abroad to earn a living."

Pacquiao is now focused on healing from his recent surgery and is reportedly preparing to go back home to the Philippines. "Balitang America [News in America]" and its Manila-based parent media networkABS-CBN Newsreport that the Filipino fighter had surgery on Wednesday "to repair the significant tear on his right rotator cuff."

Pacquiao was originally scheduled to return to Manila on Thursday, but had to postpone the trip because of the procedure on his shoulder. He said in the same report that he hopes to be back in the Philippines by Sunday, May 10.

Though many fans may be criticizing Pacquiao for his performance in the fight, he still enjoys support in his homeland. Perhaps one indication that many of them are still in his corner is the banner onINQUIRER.netwith Pacquiao's smiling face in the ring that declares: "You're Still Our Champ!"

Odette Keeley is the TV News Anchor & Executive Producer of New America Media, as well as NAM's Director of National Media Network Building. 
 

Nigeria have appointed former Super Eagles midfielder and captain Sunday Oliseh as their new coach.

The 40-year-old has signed a three-year deal and succeeds Stephen Keshi, who was sacked at the start of July.

"We have the talent to change our fortunes, to regain the respect we once had and match that with results," Oliseh told BBC Sport.

"This is the biggest job in African football. With everyone's support we can get the Super Eagles flying again."

Oliseh, who earned 63 caps for Nigeria and helped his country win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and Olympic gold in 1996, takes the helm at a time when Nigeria are struggling on and off the field.

Political fighting within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and poor results on the pitch-culminating in the Super Eagles failing to qualify to defend their 2013 Nations Cup title this year-have left Nigerian football in a mess.

The former Borussia Dortmund, Ajax and Juventus player is well aware of the size of the task he faces.

"I am here today because I believe in the NFF and the big project before us. We had a passionate discussion and the result is the mandate to manage Nigeria," he said.

"The job doesn't start tomorrow, it starts now, we need the support of everyone because together we can make our country great."

A member of the 'golden generation' of Nigerian football stars--alongside Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Finidi George - Oliseh has been working as a pundit, sport consultant and Fifa Technical committee member.

He becomes the fourth player from the class of 1994 to manage the Super Eagles after Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and Keshi.

While Oliseh has little management experience, having coached only Belgian lower league side Vervietois between 2008 and 2009, he does hold the Uefa Pro Licence and the NFF have every faith he can handle the challenge of coaching the Super Eagles.

"Oliseh has all the necessary knowledge and exposure we're looking for to take the country's football to a great height," said NFF president Amaju Pinnick.

"He shares our vision, received the approval of our sports ministry, the blessings of the NFF technical committee and executive board."

Oliseh, who will be assisted by Belgian coach Jean Francois Losciuto, will immediately begin the task of preparing the Super Eagles for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Tanzania in the first week of September, as well as an international friendly days later.

"There is no time to waste.The team has important matches in the next few weeks and it is imperative that Oliseh starts work immediately," NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said.

Nigeria beat Chad 2-0 in their Group G opener in June and are second in the table behind Egypt on goal difference.

LOWELL, Mass.,--The 6^th edition of the annual African Health Cup, a soccer tournament that brings together about a dozen African community soccer clubs to battle it out as they help promote health awareness will kick off tomorrow morning at the Cawley Stadium in Lowell, off Rt 38 near I-495.

According to officials of the Africans For Improves Access (AFIA), a health advocacy agency that came up with the tournament, 11 teams will be competing in tomorrow starting at 9am.

There are not entry fees for the tournament that takes place in the two adjacent fields that make up Cawley Stadium.

Among the teams that will be competing tomorrow include defending champions, Liberia who beat Togo in the finals of the 2014 edition.

Other teams competing this year are:Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia-Boston, Liberia-Worcester, Nigeria, Rwanda, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.

The Kenyan and Tanzanian community teams will be absent from this year's tournament for reasons that are not yet clear.

In addition to the highly entertaining games, fans will also be treated to outdoors kid,s games, a craft show and an opportunity for outdoors socialization that is only available during this time of the year.

A free and highly confidential HIV/AIDS screening will be available for any concerned guests.

This year's tournament has been sponsored by a host of local organizations including, MAC Boston, MAC, Nizhoni Health Systems, RIAC, and Ajabu Africa Media.

The AFIA Program that hosts the tournament is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health - Office of HIV/AIDS.

"We are inviting all Africans and friends to another exciting African Health Cup Tournament. We are looking forward to having a good time outdoors," said Chioma Nnaji, program director at AFIA.

Below is a complete schedule of the competing teams:

Olympic champion and world record holder David Rudisha ran from the front and trusted his finishing pace to regain the world 800 metres title on Tuesday.

Still not back at his best after the knee injury that cost him his chance to defend the world title in 2013, the Kenyan kicked for home at the end of the back straight and crossed the line in one minute 45.84 seconds to win gold.

In the absence of defending champion Mohammed Aman of Ethiopia and London Olympic silver medallist Nijel Amos, who both failed to reach the final, Pole Adam Kszczot finished strongly to win silver in 1.46.08.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Amel Tuka, who has slashed more than three seconds off his personal best this year, finished third in 1.46.30 to win a first world championship medal for his country.

Africa bronze medallist Nicholas Bett became the first Kenyan to win a World title in sprints when he stunned a rich field to win the men's 400m hurdles at Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing, China, on Tuesday.

Bett scaled the hurdles from the outer lane in 47.79 seconds to not only bag the historic gold but also break the national record that stood at 48.24, set by Eric Keter. Another Kenyan, Boniface Mucheru, finished fifth in 48.33.

Periods of intense training for two African athletes at a Finnish javelin school have overturned the natural world order in the physically demanding and technically challenging event.

Kenyans once again failed to upstage defending champion Mo Farah from Britain when the Commonwealth champion Caleb Mwangangi settled for silver in men's 5,000m at the World Championships on Saturday.

BEIJING---It was a marvelous seven-star performance for Kenya as the country claimed its maiden overall title at the World Championships in Athletics on Sunday in Beijing, China.

Kenya's previous best ever showing at the World Championships was during the 2011 edition in Daegu, South Korea, where the team claimed 17 medals; seven gold, six silver and four bronze, to finish third overall behind the US and Russia.

Elijah Manangoi (left) congratulates Asbel Kiprop after he won the men's 1500m at the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing on August 30, 2015. PHOTO | OLIVIER MORIN |AFP

However, the haul from Daegu surpassed Beijing's by one bronze.

Dozens of Kenyan athletes stormed the athletics federation headquarters in Nairobi on Monday, locking out officials and demanding that top Athletics Kenya (AK) bosses step down following allegations of graft and doping cover-ups.

Kenya, boasting some of the world's finest middle and long-distance runners, has in recent years been rocked by a spate of failed drug tests and the country's athletics federation has drawn criticism for not doing enough to tackle doping.

Allegations of corruption among AK chiefs tied to a Nike sponsorship deal, combined with Russia's recent ban from global athletics, have stirred fears that the East African nation could be banned from international track and field.

The mostly low-level athletes swooped on the AK headquarters at about 7.30am local time (GMT), ordering staff to leave and barricading themselves inside the building, next to Nyayo National Stadium.

"We are taking united action to bring sanity to Athletics Kenya management and leadership," the Professional Athletes' Association of Kenya (PAAK) said in a statement handed out to reporters outside the AK headquarters.

PAAK said the doping scandal and media claims that top AK officials had embezzled some sponsorship money deposited by U.S. sports giant Nike were "putting genuine Kenyan athletes at risk of being banned". AK officials have previously denied corruption and said the Nike deal was above board.

By noon, the athletes were still in control of the building, where placards aimed at AK officials read "corrupt go home" and "your time is over".

AK officials could not be reached for comment.

Wilson Kipsang, the two-time London marathon winner and president of PAAK, confirmed it was athletes from PAAK's Nairobi branch who had stormed the AK building.

"It's too early to make a comprehensive statement on their action. I am in touch with them and at this stage, I am still collecting facts from the ground," Kipsang, an Olympic marathon bronze medallist, told Reuters.

"WE DO NOT CONDONE DOPING"

In Kenya's running heartlands in the Rift Valley region, most athletes blame AK for the growing doping problem. They say the federation has for years tried to sweep the problem under the carpet and hasn't tackled the problem seriously.

Isaac Mwangi, chief executive of AK, earlier this month told Reuters the federation was hamstrung by shortages of resources in the battle against doping but was doing its best.

"As Athletics Kenya our policy is very clear: we do not condone doping, we will not hide anyone who is caught doping," he said.

After meeting officials from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) this month, Kenya's Olympics committee chairman Kipchoge Keino said the country faced a suspension unless it tackled doping more seriously.

"WADA is seriously considering recommending Kenya be banned from all international competitions for failing to take action on doping matters," said Keino, who is also a two-time Olympic champion. 

BOSTON--As Kenyan male runners hit the trail from Hopkinton to Copley square during tomorrow'' 120th Boston Marathon in a bid to reclaim title that has eluded them for 3 years in a row, hundreds of fans from the Kenyan community as well as 7 Kenyan MPs from Nairobi are set to join others at the finish line to cheer their them on.

7 Kenyan Members of Parliament from the Bunge Sports Club are also expected to join fans at the finish line in Boston to cheer their runners.

According to the Kenyan Embassy in Washington D.C, the MPs expected to attend the Marathon include Robert Mbui- MP Kathiani, Aisha Jumwa- MP Killifi County, John Waiganjo- MP Oljororok, Eusla Ngeny- MP Uasin Gishu County, Neto Agostinho- MP Ndhiwa, as well as Sylverster Ocholla- the Bunge Sports club Coach, and Stephen Mutungi, the Clerk.

Kenyans fans will also be meeting at the usual Vlora restaurant (now renamed to Yamato II Restaurant) on Boylston Street for lunch at 1 pm after the elite runners cross the line as they await the awards ceremony that take place at 5pm at the Fairmont Copley Hotel.

Later in the evening, an after-marathon celebration is planned to take place at the Monroe Lounge, located at 450 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, MA at 8pm.

The last time Kenya men won a marathon title was in 2012, when Wesley Korir, now a Member of Parliament in Kenya and still a marathon runner, withstood severe pressure from dangerous Ethiopians to lift the trophy. The honorable MP is back in Boston in a bid to secure a much needed win after he finished 5th in 2015.

To the dismay of Kenyan fans, Ethiopia's Lelisa Desisa beat the field to win the title in 2013, and rubbed salt to the injury by coming back to scoop the same title last year (2015).

Dereje Tefera, the coach to Ethiopia's marathon runners ( right) together with other members of the Ethiopian team at the Fairmont Copley Hotel. Ajabu Photo/H.Maina

USA's Meb Keflezighi won in 2014, making it a 3 year drought for Kenyan men.

Since then, it has been the Kenyan women who have come to the rescue of the battered Kenyan fans egos by winning in 2015, 2014 and 2013 straight.

However, during tomorrow's race, the Kenyans are expected to give Ethiopians a run for their money and bring the trophy back home, something the local fans have been thirsting for.

Women's defending champion, Caroline Rotich will be looking to extend her winning touch to two years in a row when she goes against arch rival, Mare Dibaba from Ethiopia whom she beat with 4 seconds in the 2015 race.

"We hope all our runners will do well tomorrow. This is a marathon and anything can happen. But we hope for the best," said Dr. Isaiah Okwiya, Rotich's coach who is based in Maryland during an interview with Ajabu Africa at the Fairmont Copley Hotel.

Careful not to underestimate Kenyan men's capability of retaking the title, Ethiopia's male runners' coach, Dereje Tefera predicted the winner will likely be a tossup between Kenya and Ethiopia.

"It's very hard to tell. This thing is going to be either Kenyans or Ethiopians taking it. The weather looks great tomorrow so we are hoping to win."

Interestingly, a Ugandan marathon runner has promised o give the legendary Kenyans and ethuiopians a run for their money when the race kicks off tomorrow.

"I intend to win this race. We will see what happens," Harbert Okuti told Ajabu Africa News.

Uganda's Harbert Okuti ( right) and Ethiopia's Girma Mecheso on on the even of the 2016 Boston Marathon. AJABU PHOTO/H.MAINA

Stephen Sambu of Kenya finished third at the end of the 2016 BAA's 5 K race that took place yesterday while Caroline Chepkoech, also of Kenya came in at number three as well.

Some Kenyan runners are set to join Kenyan fans at the Monroe Lounge located at 450 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge for an evening celebration.

According to organizers, tickets to the event are going for $10 when purchased on line and $20 at the door.

An online sales deadline has been extended to tomorrow, Monday April 18 at 7pm for Kenyan fans interested in celebrating Kenya's legendary performance at Boston and other marathons across major cities of the world.

To reserve your ticket on Eventbrite.com,click here >>>>

Evening Celebration
Venue:Monroe Lounge

450 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA

(MBTA Red Line Train towards Alewife, get off at Central Square)

LAS VEGAS--During the recent US Rugby Sevens tournament in Las Vegas pitting 16 best countries in the sport from around the world, over 2,000 Kenyan nationals from across the US and even from the Uk descended on the popular city, partying hard at several joints, and leaving a huge impact at the stands with wild cheering and colorful representation.

The increasingly popular event took place at the Sam Boyd Stadium on the outskirts of the Las Vegas Strip from Wednesday March 2nd to Sunday March 6th.

Clad in the red, black green and white Kenyan colors represented in all sorts of gear, the fans swarmed the Sam Boyd stadium on the outskirts of Vegas and left a mark on the minds of many with their raucous cheering and happy go lucky attitude--of course with their legendary drinking and enjoyment knack on display.

Interestingly, among the Kenyan fans were many caucasian folks, who, being closely related to Kenyans in different ways, donned Kenyans colors with pride and style.

The Kenyans profile was buoyed even more by the great performance of their team who ended up winning all their early stage matches where they even beat the dreaded New Zealand team to advance to the quarter finals, only to be bundled out by hosts USA for one of the semi-final spots.

However, the sterling performance by Kenya left most fans from around the world in awe, with other competing teams dreading a match-up with the east Africans.

Led by a former Starehe boys center cheer leader from Dallas, Kenyan fans rent the air around the stands with "Wakenya oooh, Wakenya Yeeeh," in readiness for the quarterfinal match between Kenya and the host nation, USA on Saturday.

Dressed in the traditional Starehe Boys uniform, the dedicated cheerleader occasionally reached into his Kenyan flag decorated box of tricks to pull out a variety lyric of popular Kenyan cheering squad.

Fans followed suit with much vigor in anticipation of an easy win against the US, literally silencing all American fans present who gawked at the Kenyans with admiration bracing themselves for a loss on the pitch to the now much feared Kenyan side.

However, a few minutes into the match, tables were turned when the US team took an unexpected early lead, which they maintained and extended till the end of the game. Kenyan fans who just minutes ago beamed with smiles and pride were promptly reduced into snarling folks, dumbfounded with utter shock and disbelief.

"I still can't believe this. It happened so fast and all of sudden we are out!,"said Victor Anga'wa from Boston.

"Our guys played well though but luck was not on their side today. We will be back next year and we win the title," he added.

Shocked Kenyan fans after loosing the quaterfinal match against the US. AJABU PHOTO/H.MAINA

When the Kenyan team was not on the pitch, fans would roam about the stadium, snacking on various bites and drinks as they socialized with other fans.

A duo of Kenyan friends, Brian Mutula who had travelled from London, UK and  Ceasar Ondula from New Mexico, caused a stir as they roamed the stadium drinking right from half cut guards, in a traditional Luo cultural style, backed up with a "drinks tank" of strapped Mutula's back back replete with a sipping straw.

Many American fans thrilled with the spectacle asked to take pictures with the Kenyans, requests that the Kenyans obliged to with ease.

And when evenings came, the never say never die Kenyans met up for music entertainment at different locations around the strip where different DJs and performers provided a blast.

Among the most popular shows were hosted at the Tropicana Hotel next to the MGM Grand hotel where most Kenyans were booked for the entire week.

Brian Mutula from the UK (center) and Ceasar Ondula from New Mexico, right drink from guards at the Sam Boyd Stadium in Vegas. AJABU PHOTO/H/MAINA

However, the weeklong entertainment kicked off at the Paris Hotel where several hundred fans gathered in the hopes of meeting their much adored rugby players, as promised by organizers.

Unfortunately, the players did not show up for the party.Tight lipped organizers did not shed light as to the development, but fans did not seem to care as they got into the party mood.

However, the Kenyan Ambassador to the US, H.E Robinson Githaegraced the event in the company of several Embassy officials in town to issue New Generation ID cards to Kenyan fans at the Rumor Hotel venue.

The envoy praised Kenyans who came from all over the USA and beyond to cheer their team, and wished the team well in the competition.

Kenyan Ambassador to US, Robinson Njeru Githae addresses Kenyan rugby fans in Las Vegas. AJBAU PHOTO/H.MAINA

"I would like to thank all you fans who came from various destinations just to support our Kenyan team. That is what I call patriotism," he said.

Other joints where parties were held included the Hard Rock Cafe where Diamond Platinumz, Tanzania's leading  artiste entertained well over 1,000 wildly cheering fans present, as well as and the Rumor Hotel where the popular Take Over DJs group entertained to the max.

"This is pretty cool to see all these Kenyans come out here and have a good time as they support our team. We hope more and more Kenyans come out here for future events," said Tony Ngari, a director at Safari Boston Golf club, a group of Kenyan golf lovers based in Boston who were hosting a golf tournament in Vegas on the sidelines of the Rugby Sevens.

The fancy celebrations ended in the wee hours of Sunday night before fans staggered away into their rooms, hoping to catch their flights home on time till the next "Vegas time" in 2017.

Members of the Safari Boston Golf club during the Rugby Sevens event at the Paris Hotel on Las vegas strip. AJABU PHOTO/HMAINA

More Pics coming soon in the Photo Gallery!

Ethiopia's epic marathon runners swept both men and women podiums at Monday's Boston marathon, leaving traditional arch-rivals Kenya shocked to the core, with many Kenyan runners blaming lack of team work for the poor performance.

21 year old Berhanu Hayle from Ethiopia the men's division crossing the tape at 2.12: 45, still well below Kenya's Boston marathon record time of 2.03.02 set by Geoffrey Mutai in 2011.

Hayle was closely followed to the finish line fellow countrymen, Lesisa Desisa (second) and Tsegay Adhane (third) while their female counterpart, Atsede Baysa took the women's title followed by yet another Ethiopian, Tirfi Tsegaye. Kenya's Joyce Chepkirui finished third to become the best placed Kenyan at the world's oldest and most historic race now in its 120^th year.

Hayle, the men's division winner, took home $150,000 prize money, while Baysa took home an equal amount as the male champion for winning the women's division.

Berhanu Hayle from Ethiopia wins the 2016 Boston Marathon. Photo by courtey BAA/ Photorun.net

While Kenyan women have won every Boston marathon title since 2011 except for the 2016 edition, their male counterparts have been on a lengthy, four year drought, ever since Wesley Korir won in 2012.

"The Boston marathon unlike other races is very difficult and unpredictable. We tried our best but the Ethiopians were too many. They knew each other well since they train under one coach and therefore they ran as a team, taking turns to tire us out," said Wilson Korir, the Boston marathon 2012 champion who finished fourth on Monday to become Kenya's best placed male runner.

"For us Kenyans, it's like everyone for himself. We train individually and everyone has a different agent, so we did not know each other well until we came to Boston. If you look at the Ethiopians, they train train under one coach and therefore it's very hard to beat them," he added while congratulating the Ethiopian runners during an interview with Ajabu Africa News.

The Ethiopians seemed to have figured Kenya's Achilles' heel during Boston marathon races, fearing their own runners more than the Kenyans.

Wesley Korir, second left, the 2012 Boston Marathon Champion who finished fourth in Boston 2016 t and a Member of parliament in Kenya poses with Ethiopians, Lesisa Desisa (right), 2016 runners up and 2015 defendig champion and Tsegay Adhane who finished third, as well as Kenya's Paul Lonyangata who in finished 5th. AJABU PHOTO/H.MAINA

According to post race comments reported by James O'Brien reporting for the BAA, the Ethiopian elite runners ran together as a pack with Hayle closely watching Desisa, the defending Champion's every move throughout the course.

"If Desisa did nothing, so did Hayle. It seemed the field was keying off the defending champion," Obrien reported while adding that the duo's closeness was so obvious that they even exchanged water at some point in the race.

"I was scared of Desisa. I only watched what he did. I came only to win the race, not to run fast," said the Hayle, the eventual winner, according to the BAA reporter.

Wesley Korir added that he hoped Kenya would come up with a structure to ensure marathon runners train under the same coach if they wanted to find a formula to beat highly competitive Ethiopians at future Marathons.

"I am happy I won. Thank you Boston," said an elated Hayle, Ethiopia's new Boston Marathon champion.

Kenya's Joyce Chepkirui finished 3rd at Boston 2016. Pic by courtesy/VIctah Sailer for Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon)

However, despite the failure to feature at the podium in this year's edition, several Kenyan runners still featured in the top ten?

Among them was Paul Lonyangata who in finished 5th, after Korir, followed closely by Sammy Kitwara at number 6 and Stephen Chebogut at number 7.

On the women's side, Valentine Kipketer finished 5th, and Cheyech Flomena Daniel crossed the line number 6 to complete Kenya's elite female presence.

Ethiopia had a total of 8 female runners finishing in the top 15 positions compared to Kenya's three, while on the men's division, five Ethiopian runners finished in top 15 compared to Kenya's four.

Interestingly, Uganda had two runners among the top 15 who finished the 2016 Boston marathon--with Jackson Kiprop coming at number 14 and Harbert Okuti, who lives in New York, at number 15.

Kenya's Caroline Rotich, the 2015 women's race defending champion pulled out of the race early with due to a leg injury that developed after several miles of starting.

"Caroline could not finish the race. She had to pull out due to a leg injury. We will be doing an MRI on Wednesday to determine the actual problem for treatment to begin," said Dr. Isaiah Okwiya, Kilel's Kenyan born agent based in Maryland.

Dr. Isaiah Okwiya, the agent managing 2015 Boston Marathon champion, Caroline Rotich. AJABU PHOTO/H.MAINA

Four-time Boston marathon champion, Catherine Ndereba said that the Kenyan team needs to go back to the drawing board to find out what has gone wrong leading to the dismal performance recently in world oldest marathon.

"They should go back and find out if there is something that needs to be changed, maybe the training needs to be looked at. At least we had one of our women finish third today. We hope our runners can come back and win here next year," she told Ajabu Africa.

However, Ndereba congratulated the Ethiopian runners for the sterling performance as well as other Kenyans who finished in several the top ten positions.

9 Kenyan members of Parliament that make up the Bunge (Parliament) Sports club who had been slated to attend the marathon did not make it from Nairobi Kenya due to what the group leader, Hon. Agostino Neto, MP for Ndiwa referred to as "late processing of travel arrangements."

And in a clear depature from the tradition before the 2013 bomb blast at the Boston marathon finish line, only a handful of Kenyan fans from the local community showed up. Many fans interviwed by Ajabu Africa News prior to the race declined to attend, expressing fear of another attack.

However, the few fans who attedned monday's marathon said that the attack fears were unreasonable and hundrens of fans should come back to the finsh line next year since the security had been beefed up significantly.

"These days every single person coming to the finish line is checked out for weapons.The Boston marathon is now definetely more safer than before.Kenyan fans need to come back in big numbers and help support our runners as we have fun with others," said a fan who requested anonymity.

The sentiment was also echoed by the 2012 defending champion,Wesley Korir who thanked fans that showed up and urged others to keep coming in subsequent events.

Kenyan marathon fans. AJABU PHOTO/MOSES MATHENGE

Ethiopian marathon fans. AJABU PHOTO/MOSES MATHENGE

Kenyan marathon fans with Boston Mayor, Marty Walsh at the Westin Copley Hotel.

Catherine Dereba four time boston marathon winner and her long time coach/manager of 24 years, together with Geoff Smith, a veteran two time Boston Marathon winner (1984 and 1985). AJABU PHOTO/MOSES MATHENGE

Kenyan marathon fans take enjoy a train ride from Lowell to Boston on marathon Monday. AJABU PHOTO/MOSES MATHENGE

Kenya's Jemimah Sumgong was the surprise winner of this year's London Marathon women's title on Sunday.

The 31-year-old Sumgong, survived a nasty fall to clock 2 hours 22 minutes and 58 seconds and reclaim the title Kenya lost to Ethiopian Tigist Tufa in 2015.

It was Tufa who finished second in 2:23: 03 as another Kenyan Florence Kiplagat settled third in 2:23:39.

The battle fast generated to an East African affair between three Kenyans against four Ethiopians.

The 2011 and 2012 champion Mary Keitany, leading Florence Kiplagat and Jemima Sumgong against defending champion Tigist Tufa, 2010 champion Aselefech Mergia, World champion Mare Dibaba and Feyse Tadese.

Keitany, sporting big beanie hat led elite women through 6km in 21:05 minutes before Dibaba guided them 10km mark at 32:34 minutes with 2013 champion Priscah Jeptoo chasing 58 seconds behind the pack.

They went through 16km in a whisker under 54 minutes with the group heading past halfway mark at 1:10:44 under the Tower Bridge.

Everybody was looking at each other with no one ready to break as pacemakers proving not helpful.

It was Dibaba, who lead at pack in 1:59.25 at 35km mark with Kiplagat, Sungong, Tufa and Mergia on toe.

Kiplagat fell off leaving Sumgong to battle Tufa and Dibaba in the last kilometres.

Dibaba falling off as Sumgong and Tufa battled going past 40km in 2:15:41.

Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya successfully defended his London Marathon title in a course record on Sunday to seal his place in Kenya's Olympic marathon team.

Kipchoge broke away from New York City Marathon champion Stanley Biwott just before the 40km mark, cruising home to victory in 2 hours, 03 minutes and 05 seconds, missing the World record by seven seconds.

However, his time was not only enough to break the course record held by Wilson Kipsang of 2:04:29 when he won the 2014 race, but also improved on his personal best of 2:04:00 from his victory in Berlin last year.

The world record of 2:02:57 is being held by Dennis Kimetto from the 2014 Berlin Marathon victory.

Biwott finished second in personal best of 2:03:51 as Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele finished third at 2:06:38.

The race zeroed down to Kipchoge, Biwott and Bekele as they crossed the 27km mark in 1:14:49.

However, Bekele’s legs wilted against the might of Kenyans as he fell back with Kipchoge and Biwott cruising on past the 30km in 1:29:12.

LONDON
Chelsea substitute Eden Hazard's stunning late goal earned Chelsea a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Monday that completed Leicester City's fairytale quest for the Premier League title.

With Leicester's players reportedly gathered at the home of striker Jamie Vardy to watch the match, goals from Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min at Stamford Bridge appeared to have set Spurs up for a victory that would have kept their title hopes alive.

But after Gary Cahill had reduced the arrears in the 58th minute of a stormy affair, Hazard met Diego Costa's pass with a first-time shot into the top-right corner in the 83rd minute to send hordes of supporters in Leicester, as well as their millions of new admirers around the world, into raptures.

Claudio Ranieri's side, 5,000-1 title outsiders who narrowly avoided relegation last season, can now look forward to a title party at their King Power Stadium home when Everton visit on Saturday.

They are England's first new title-winners since Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest 1978 and their surge to glory in the world's most-watched football championship will go down as one of the most improbable feats in sporting history.

LAST PIECE OF SILVERWARE

Their previous best season in the English top flight was a second-place finish in 1929 and their last piece of silverware had been the 2000 League Cup.

Mauricio Pochettino's young Spurs team needed to win all three of their final games to stand any chance of claiming a first league title since 1961, but having been held 1-1 by West Bromwich Albion on their previous outing, they failed to close out victory again.

Ranieri had never previously won a league title and was sacked by Chelsea in 2004, but chants of "There's only one Ranieri!" rang around the game as the final whistle approached.

Bringing the story of his association with the Premier League full circle, the 64-year-old Italian will return to Stamford Bridge for his miracle team's final game of the season on May 15.

Hazard, last season's Player of the Year, had scored the goal that brought Chelsea the title a year previously and after a dismal campaign, he resurfaced to write another chapter in English football history.

Spurs, meanwhile, could face disciplinary action from the Football Association after midfielder Mousa Dembele appeared to eye-gouge Diego Costa in one of several fractious incidents.

LEICESTER FACTFILE

Name:Leicester City Football Club
Founded: 1884
Stadium: King Power Stadium, Leicester (capacity: 32,262)
Nickname:The Foxes
Colours:Blue shirts, blue shorts, blue socks, all with gold trim
Estimated value:£436 million ($637 million, 556 million euros; Private Company Financial Intelligence, Feb 2016)

Owner/Chairman:Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha (THA)
Manager:Claudio Ranieri (ITA)
Assistant first-team coaches:Paolo Benetti (ITA), Craig Shakespeare (ENG), Steve Walsh (ENG)
Captain:Wes Morgan (JAM)

Honours:
Premier League champions:2015-2016
League Cup (3):1964, 1997,2000

Most appearances:
Graham Cross (ENG):599

Most goals:
Arthur Chandler (ENG): 273

Record transfer fee paid
Andrej Kramaric (CRO);£9 million ($13 million, 11 million euros) to Rijeka/CRO, January 2015

Record transfer fee received
Emile Heskey (ENG);£11 million ($16 million, 14 million euros), to Liverpool/ENG, March 2000

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2015-16: Leicester City
2014-15: Chelsea
2013-14: Manchester City
2012-13: Manchester United
2011-12: Manchester City
2010-11: Manchester United
2009-10: Chelsea
2008-09:Manchester United
2007-08:Manchester United
2006-07:Manchester United
2005-06:Chelsea
2004-05:Chelsea
2003-04:Arsenal
2002-03: Manchester United
2001-02: Arsenal
2000-01: Manchester United
1999-00: Manchester United
1998-99: Manchester United
1997-98: Arsenal
1996-97: Manchester United
1995-96: Manchester United
1994-95: Blackburn Rovers
1993-94: Manchester United
1992-93: Manchester United

In Kenya, where vast open plains and long dirt roads rule the land, running is as much a part of culture as football in America. Every kid grows up dreaming of following in the footsteps of previous generations of great distance runners and Olympic Athletes.

For Brockton High School senior and Kenyan citizen Patriciah Mulinge, that dream is slowly becoming a reality. In the case of most high school athletes, the journey from youth to adulthood involves classes, friendships, sports, fun and homework. For her, it involved an 8,500-mile voyage and a new home.

Mulinge, a track captain, grew up in Kenya and arrived in the United States when she was 12 years old. The aspiring doctor speaks four different languages (if you include local Kenyan dialects), is an honors student and a Big Three Conference champion in the mile.

She runs cross country in the fall, and does primarily the one mile and two-mile races during indoor and outdoor track and field seasons. This practice, known as "doubling up", is often difficult for most runners due to the high amount of endurance required.

"It feels great when I'm done running the race because at first I'm dreading doing it," she said. "But then I finish and I'm like, 'Wow! That wasn't that hard.' During the race I'm usually thinking about the end of the race, especially the two mile. I will count each lap and tell myself, 'you can't give up now, you're almost there.' I will also listen to the cheers of my teammates and that helps me finish strong."

The distance specialist first gained an interest in running while growing up in the open land of her Kenyan town. Whenever she had free time, she would run or walk several miles. Sometimes she did this with friends, while at other points she took advantage of the openness to run by herself. While much attention is given to the host of challenges Kenya and other underdeveloped nations face--and with good reason--Mulinge couldn't imagine growing up anywhere else.

"I would say that Kenya is the best place to have a childhood. Here, you have the freedom and everything because it’s a free country, but in Kenya you get to do all these other things as well," she said, smiling. "Right now, I can't always leave my house and walk to my friend's house because I might get into trouble. But in Kenya, I could walk 10 miles if I wanted to and no one would say anything. My neighborhood was like a suburban neighborhood here, except better because there was more land to do stuff. It was the best place to grow up.

"Where I grew up there wasn't (poverty). But then I moved to a more desert area where there wasn't as much water. But we didn't have any starvation or anything like that.There are specific areas that the media focuses on and that's what you see. But once you visit the country and see you're like 'wow.' It's a three-dimensional country. It has more than hunger and strikes and war to it."

Kenya has a long history on producing excellent distance runners. This is a tradition that Mulinge would like to follow, but by making her own way.

"I don't have a person that I look up to because if I look up to someone (as a runner) I will always compare myself to them and feel like I failed and not try again," she said. "I try to look at Kenya as a nation and how they are known for having famous runners. I want to be one of those runners. I was just want to be me and then run and have people look up to me. I know that sounds egotistical, but I want to just be me."

Her mother first immigrated to the United States when Mulinge was seven years old, in order to pursue a job offer. For the next five years, Mulinge lived with her grandparents and saw her mother only once a year, during a visit each summer. By the time she reached the age of 12, her mother had saved up enough money to bring Patriciah and her younger brother to America.

Arriving in the United States for the first time is often a culture shock for many, and for Mulinge, it was a different world. She didn't even know what a pizza was--or a hamburger, for that matter--let alone what a New England winter looks like.

"When I first came here I went to the Brockton Public Schools office and they have a test to place you. They gave me a book with pizza and hamburgers and I was just like 'what is this?'" she said with a laugh. "So obviously, I failed at that test, but then I took a written test and I passed and was placed in seventh grade."

Although she admitted that she initially was homesick for Kenya and her hometown, she said she has grown to love living in America. And although McDonald's was a big selling point, Mulinge is most happy with the opportunities living in her new home affords her.

"I like that I have opportunities that are open to me. Especially now, in such a progressive era, me being a woman of color I can do a lot of things that I couldn't do in Kenya," she said. "In Kenya, women are still seen as not the same or lower. If you are a woman and you are CEO of a company they assume you went to the devil for that. Here, I can be whatever I want and I get do-overs and second chances. If I mess up something I can turn over a new leaf and move on."

The newness of American life extended into her academics and athletics. During seventh and eighth grade, Patriciah adjusted to life in America and focused on keeping her grades up while trying to make friends.This process was hampered a bit by the accent that she spoke with, along with some unfamiliarity with American culture, but by the time she reached high school she was ready to pursue her biggest passion: track.

"I met Patty her freshman year. She came to us to try out. I think actually someone came over to us and said 'I have someone who just moved to the country and wants to try track', so we went from there," said Brockton High track coach Charles Russell. "I call her the 'Beast from the East' because when she first came here she was very tiny and thin but she had the heart of a lion."

Immediately upon joining the track team as a freshman, Mulinge became one of the better distance runners on the team. Prior to her arrival, the Boxers' track team did not have a strong presence in distance events, often losing meets directly because of it.

But her arrival changed all that. Brockton has consistently improved its distance showings, culminating in an undefeated (10-0-1) campaign in the indoor track season this past winter and a victory in the Big Three meet. She also finished third in the Atlantic Conference one mile and fourth in the two mile. The team is poised to have another great showing this spring after Mulinge hit personal bests in cross country this past fall (20:18) and in the mile (5:55) last spring.

As a team captain, she has demonstrated unique leadership skills all season. As a player, she has been nothing short of a coach's dream. When asked what it is like to coach an athlete who has been through more life experiences than most adults, Russell was effusive in his praise.

"Patriciah is coachable. You ask her to do something and she does it. No questions why, no moaning and groaning," he said. "I think that's probably one of the best qualities she has. She works very, very hard. She is really committed to the team. She's that silent leader on the team. She leads by example. She's not a yeller or screamer kind of captain that is very vocal. She lets her performances lead by example."

To her teammates, she is both a friend and a motivator.

"As a competitor she's very nice, she never judges someone or underestimates them. She takes being a teammate very seriously," said Sansha Alexis, a junior. "She's really loyal. Even when she doesn't like someone, she will never talk bad about them, she's really an awesome person."

Fellow junior Saran Fofana echoed a similar sentiment.

"She really does care about us. She's really sweet. She listens to us and she just understands everything that people are going through or she tries too," Fofana said. "She's our best friend. She's really sweet and she motivates us to go faster (on the track) and be the best we can be.

Being there for others has been a big part of Mulinge's life. Whether it was helping her family or friends in Kenya or in the United States, Mulinge goes out of her way for those she cares about.

Last year, one of Mulinge's relatives in Kenya, a beloved aunt, lost her battle with stomach cancer. Mulinge took a month off from school and track to fly to Kenya and be there for her a family and help her relatives put their lives back together. In an experience that she described as trying, she had to be away from her teammates and friends and was responsible for all missed schoolwork. That type of compassion doesn't surprise her coach, who when told she wants to be a doctor, saw an obvious connection.

"That totally fits into who Patriciah is," Russell said. "She's done everything academically. She's an excellent student. Her character is beyond reproach. She's kind, compassionate and all those characteristics would make her a very good doctor."

So far this spring, Mulinge has taken further steps forward towards her goals of being a doctor and running track in college. In Brockton’s first track meet of the spring on April 13, a victory over Falmouth, Mulinge posted a 6:03 mile and 13:07 two mile that helped propel Brockton to victory and her coach has consistently said that he believes Mulinge's best races are ahead of her.

She has also begun a shadowing opportunity at Signature Healthcare in Brockton, which she describes as fun and interesting.

Her motivation for being a doctor is not money or prestige, but to help the people she cares about, on two continents. In her native country, many illnesses and disabilities lack the understanding and treatment that they are afforded in the U.S. Changing this is one of the main focuses of Mulinge's potential career.

"I want to become a doctor around here but I also want to help build safe haven facilities for people in Kenya. The homeless, people with disabilities are homeless and that shouldn't be," she said. "People with mental illnesses are seen as crazy in Kenya and I want to educate people in Kenya that it's not because their crazy, it's because of biology. Biology did that to them and we can't ostracize them. We need to help them get better as best we can and re-integrate them into society."

Accurately portraying the impact Mulinge has had among her family, friends, teammates and coaches is nearly impossible. Her determination to succeed coupled with her perspective on life has molded her into an athlete and person that inspired everyone around her. Even opponents walk away from meets impressed with her skills, just as teachers and coaches walk away impressed with her kindness and work-ethic.

In a little over a month, Mulinge will walk across the stage at Marciano Stadium and receive her diploma. It will be just the next accomplishment in a life that so far has been filled with doing the extraordinary.

Kenya's track and field athletes will not be banned from the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, IAAF said on Friday. Their statement came despite serious concerns over the country's anti-doping program.

The statement to The Associated Press noted that Kenya remains on a "monitoring list" of countries with doping problems until the end of 2016.

But, despite Thursday's decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency to declare Kenya's drug-testing agency non-compliant, the nation's athletes can still compete through to the end of this year.

"During the monitoring process ... Kenyan athletes remain eligible to compete nationally and internationally," the IAAF said.

Unless the International Olympic Committee, which has the final say, steps in, Kenyans can still compete.

A country's anti-doping agency "can be non-compliant for a number of reasons, there are currently a number of others in this position. It does not mean that the athletes will be stopped from participating in the Olympic Games," the IOC said in a statement to the AP.

Continued investigations

But Kenya will be discussed at the next IOC executive board meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, in early June, as there are still big problems with its anti-doping program.

Since the 2012 London Olympics, 40 Kenyan track and field athletes have been banned for doping — a rate of about one per month — and four senior track officials are under investigation by the IAAF for potential subversion of the anti-doping process.

One of those officials is a current member of the IAAF's governing council, and another a former member.

Wada's decision to suspend Kenya's anti-doping program "is a further reflection of the IAAF's concerns about the level of commitment to anti-doping at the national level in Kenya," the IAAF said.

It also said Kenya's elite athletes were now the most tested of any country by the IAAF.

Kenya's anti-doping program needed to be "significantly strengthened by the end of the current year," the IAAF said.

Anti-Doping law still inadequate

Fearing the possibility of an Olympic ban, Kenyan authorities were scrambling earlier Friday to sort out their problems.

Read: Kenya faces fresh anti-doping crisis following surprise Wada move

Parts of a new anti-doping law that was ruled inadequate by Wada — and led to the non-compliant declaration — would be hurriedly rewritten and pushed through parliament, Sport CS, Hassan Wario said, adding, "no ban was mentioned in the body of the letter."

Although Wada doesn't have the power to enforce a ban on Kenya's athletes, the IAAF does, and it did with Russia after its anti-doping program was declared non-compliant following allegations of corruption and doping cover-ups last year.

Wada's surprise decision to suspend Kenya came after the country passing anti-doping legislation last month following two missed deadlines. Kenya celebrated the passing of the law then and hailed it a success, but Wada on Thursday described it as "a complete mess."

William Emase of Brockton successfully defended his Safari Boston's golf club title he won last year during a lively season opener competition last Saturday at the Brook Meadow Country Club in Canton, near Boston.

Hitting a net score 71 for one under par for the 18 hole course, the Kenya native emerged at the top of the chart followed by Francis Gathuru for a new score of 74 for two over par.

The third position was a tie between Kiruthu Njenga and Lawrence Kimama with a net score of 76 for over par.

The Brook Meadow Country Club has an 18 hole 72 for par course.

At the same time, the exclusive golf club now in its 4th year of operation announced its intention to move beyond golf and embrace charitable activities aimed towards helping needy kids back in the motherland.

In supporting of the noble goal, J.C. Lapierre, Treasurer and board member at the Flying Kites, a Boston based Charity that runs a children's home and school in Njabini, central Kenya, attended Saturday's season opener to share the organization's goals and seek support of Kenyans in the region.

During the tournament, 12 golfers divided into 3 teams teed off 10am, often moving with speed through the beautiful course located a few miles south of Boston.

"I feel good for retaining this title. It's not easy especially when you are rusty from the long winter break. I liked the way I played today and hope I can keep up the momentum to keep winning throughout the season," said Emase during an interview with Ajabu Africa News soon after completing the 18th hole successfully.

The first team included defending Champion, William Emase, Tony Ngari from Randolph (also Safari Boston's founder and co-chair), Fred Chege of Stoneham (Treasurer) and Wycliff Cherry of Natick, a Haitian national who joins Kenyans for the love of the sport.

The second team featured Francis Kibugi, the 2015 runners up from Brockton, Kiruthi Njenga from Medway, Tommy Ngugi of Quincy and Pedro Belizeire, another Haitian National from Stoughton, while the third group featured Jeremy Kinyua of Braintree, Christopher Esikumo of Brockton, Lawrence Kimama of Randolph and Terell Johnson, an African American man from Natick.

"This was a very good day for us.The weather was great and feels really good.Golf is not an easy sport as it appears to most people until you hit the course itself then you realize how difficult it is. It requires a lot of focus and discipline. We also get to meet with friends and socialize. We are very happy," said Lawrence Kimama.

"We are looking forward to having a great time when we meet here once a month from now until the season ends in September. It feels great," said Francis Kibugi, the 2015 runners up champion.

While announcing the final the results to players congregated back at the club house after the tournament, Tony Ngari, Safari Boston's founder and co-chair thanked members for their love of the sport that saw them coming out to start the 2016 season of the annual tournament that runs from May to October.
 
"Thank you for taking time off your busy schedules to come here and continue with our competition.Coming out here today was a great day for us out here today. I congratulate the winners and all you who took part to make this successful."

Ngari also said that Safari Boston has started efforts to engage in charitable activities as per the decisions made by the organizations officials later year.

"We are glad to have J.C from the Flying Kites Boston  with us here to share on the wonderful work their organization is doing to support children in need in Kenya. Our goal is to expand our activities to include not just playing golf, but helping others who may be in need."

He revealed that Safari Boston was represented during a fundraiser for the flying Kites held at a Boston hotel several weeks ago to raise money for the children's school in Njabini.

Thanking Safari Boston for the opportunity to share their vision, Lapierre said that Flying Kites currently operates children's home and a school which serves 40 children from Njabini and surrounding areas.

She said that the organization's goal was not to operate an orphanage but to have a home where kids can come and be supported to live with either their families or matched with other families close by if they don't have any.

Lapierre added that the organization has a unique curriculum taught by local Kenyan teachers, and is in the process of working out other opportunities like internships with companies around Nairobi to provide the students with meaningful real life experience.
 

"Ours is to help support them and guide them where necessary. We provide funding and other forms of support. We are looking for support from anyone out there in form of internship positions, volunteers and of course funds. If you are going to visit Kenya, please visit us, or sign up for the challenge to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro," she told Safari Boston members and other Kenyans out there.

She thanked Safari Boston them for attending the recent fundraiser and hoped to join them in future golf tournaments to raise more funds.

According to organizers, Safari Boston has a member ship of 20 golfers who pay $20 for membership and a $10 monthly fee for administration and other needs.

Membership is open to any interested Kenyan or friend of Kenyan out there wishing to spend some time on the green.

To join Safari Boston or for more information, call

Tony Ngari:978-996-7579
website:http://www.safaribostongolf.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Safari-Boston-Golf-Club
or
www.FlyingKites.org

More pics:
 

For the first time ever, Kenyans in the Diaspora play competitive Golf under the eye of the camera, courtesy of Ajabu Sports. Below here, watch the live action and natural sounds on the green as Boston based Safari Boston Gold Club hit the links during the 2016 season opener tournament at the Meadow Country Club in Canton, near Boston.

Former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, whose record-setting boxing career, unprecedented flair for showmanship, and controversial stands made him one of the best-known figures of the 20th century, died on Friday aged 74.

Ali's death was confirmed in a statement issued by family spokesman Bob Gunnell late Friday evening, a day after he was admitted to a Phoenix-area hospital with a respiratory ailment.

The cause of death or the name of the hospital where he died were not immediately disclosed.

Ali had long suffered from Parkinson's syndrome, which impaired his speech and made the once-graceful athlete almost a prisoner in his own body.

Even so, Ali's youthful proclamation of himself as "the greatest" rang true until the end for the millions of people worldwide who admired him for his courage both inside and outside the ring.

"A part of me slipped away, the greatest piece," George Foreman, a former heavyweight boxer and one of Ali's most formidable opponents in the ring, said on Twitter after the news of Ali's death.

Roy Jones Jr., a former champion boxer who grew up during Ali's prime, also said in a Tweet: "My heart is deeply saddened yet both appreciative and relieved that the greatest is now resting in the greatest place."

Few could argue with his athletic prowess at his peak in the 1960s. With his dancing feet and quick fists, he could--as he put it --float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. He was the first person to win the heavyweight championship three times.

But Ali became much more than a colorful and interesting athlete. He spoke boldly against racism in the '60s, as well as the Vietnam War.

During and after his championship reign, Ali met scores of world leaders and for a time he was considered the most recognizable person on earth, known even in remote villages far from the United States.

Ali's diagnosis of Parkinson's came about three years after he retired from boxing in 1981.

His influence extended far beyond boxing. He became the unofficial spokesman for millions of blacks and oppressed people around the world because of his refusal to compromise his opinions and stand up to white authorities.

In a realm where athletes often battle inarticulateness as well as their opponents, Ali was known as the Louisville Lip and loved to talk, especially about himself.

"Humble people, I've found, don't get very far," he once told a reporter.

His taunts could be brutal. "Joe Frazier is so ugly that when he cries, the tears turn around and go down the back of his head," he once said. He also dubbed Frazier a 'gorilla' but later apologized and said it was all to promote the fight.

Once asked about his preferred legacy, Ali said: "I would like to be remembered as a man who won the heavyweight title three times, who was humorous and who treated everyone right. As a man who never looked down on those who looked up to him... who stood up for his beliefs...who tried to unite all humankind through faith and love.

"And if all that's too much, then I guess I'd settle for being remembered only as a great boxer who became a leader and a champion of his people. And I wouldn't even mind if folks forgot how pretty I was."

Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on Jan. 17, 1942, as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., a name shared with a 19th century slavery abolitionist. He changed his name after his conversion to Islam.

Ali is survived by his wife, the former Lonnie Williams, who knew him when she was a child in Louisville, along with his nine children.

The veteran boxer, who earned fame for her exceptional boxing skills during her heyday, is reported to have attacked her younger brother, Vincent Owino, with a sharp object during a scuffle, leaving him seriously injured.

Owino was later admitted at Yala Hospital, where he was treated and discharged after two days.

"It was a serious incident and the family now is worried because Conjestina is getting out of hand. Much as we thank the general public for supporting us all through, I am afraid things are getting out of hand and we don't have the resources to manage her anymore," a close relative of Conjestina told Nairobi News.

MENTALLY UNSTABLE

Pictures exclusively obtained byNairobi Newsshow the boxer's said sibling with deep cuts he suffered during the ordeal.

Close relatives who spoke toNairobi Newssaid that Conjestina who has been mentally unstable for the past few years, attacked her sibling after escaping from the Foundation of Hope Rehabilitation Centre in Kisumu, from where she was undergoing.

Family sources have also revealed that Conjestina, who used to earn six figure amounts as appearance fees for featuring in a single bout, has been abusing hard drugs and alcohol.

This incident brings to a new low the boxer's ever deteriorating condition.

The Rio 2016 Olympics will officially start today, August 5 after the opening ceremony and as usual focus will be on Team Kenya.

The world focus has never been on Kenya before like it will be at these Olympics. And, with the President's message of 'go and compete clean', Team Kenya has never been under such immense pressure.

Preparations to the games were not helped by doping stories which at one point even threatened to lock Kenya out of the games due to what World Anti-Doping Agency had called non-compliance. But the day is here and it is time for Kenyans to show why they are the best in the world.

Wesely Korir, the team captain and MP for Cherangany, said they understood the message from President Uhuru Kenyatta on doping.

"We have had serious lab testing here and none of us has tested positive. In fact I have been tested five times in camp and I am certain that we are sending a clean team to Rio. I echo the President's remark. And we have agreed to prove to the world that we are the cleanest athletes and most talented in the world," said Mr Korir, who is in the marathon squad.

Hyvin Kiyeng, the world 3,000m steeplechase champion, said she was certain Kenya would send a clean team to Rio.

Dope tests

"We have been tested several times in the camp and I have undergone five tests. Unless someone dopes on the way to Rio, which I am sure he will be caught. I felt bad in Beijing after winning the 3,000m steeplechase and, unknown to me, the media asked me to comment on the positive dope tests of two Kenyan athletes. I was shocked. Let it not happen again," said Ms Kiyeng.

The good show by Kenya at last year's World Championships in Beijing, China will also bring more pressure to Team Kenya as they try to replicate what the athletics team did in Beijing.

The track and field team will, however, have the support of the Rugby Sevens team, who on a good day will beat everyone on the rugby field.

However, before the track and field team starts competing from August 12, where almost all the Kenyan medals will come from, Shehzana Anwar will be the first Kenyan to compete as she will be in the archery first round competition at 7pm Saturday.

"My qualification was based on my win and this makes me the first woman in the sport to qualify for the Olympics in my country," Ms Anwar said as she looks forward to a debut to remember at the games.

Also competing Saturday will be Kenyan boxer Peter Mungai. He was set to know his opponent last night. Saturday will be a busy day for Kenyans as the rugby women team play their first match against New Zealand at 5:30pm Kenyan time before taking on France at 10pm.

Two swimmers Talisa Lanoe and Hamdan Bayusuf will be getting into the pool on Sunday and boxer Rayton Okwiri will be in the ring the same day. Boxer Benson Gicharu will not be fighting until Wednesday.

Rugby Sevens men team, where there is a realistic chance of a medal will be playing their opening match on Tuesday, with a date against Great Britain at 6pm Kenyan time before facing New Zealand in the second match at 11:30pm.

Welter weight boxer Rayton Okwiri showed the way for other Kenyan boxers at the Olympics after beating Russian Andrei Zamkovoi

Okwiri has now booked a slot in the second round of the competition.

Rayton Okwiri (KEN)of Kenya and Andrey Zamkovoy (RUS)of Russia compete. REUTERS

The Kenyan scored a 2--1 victory from the judges  and the result will surely  motivate the rest of the boxers in camp.

Peter Mungai and Benson Gicharu are also flying Kenya's flag at these games in the boxing ring.

2016 Rio Olympics--Boxing - Preliminary - Men's Welter (69kg) Round of 32 Bout 22--Riocentro--Pavilion 6--Rio de Janeiro, Brazil--07/08/2016. Rayton Okwiri (KEN)of Kenya celebrates. REUTERS

Mungai got a bye to the next round of the competition.

Rayton Okwiri (KEN)of Kenya celebrates after winning his bout against Andrey Zamkovoy (RUS)of Russia. REUTERS

IN RIO DE JANEIRO

Long before newly crowned women's marathon Olympic Champion, Jemima Sumgong, attained her landmark achievement, many Kenyans, had attempted--without success--to win gold in the 42km event.

All that changed on a hot sunny morning in the Brazilian city when a composed Sumgong strode majestically to the finish line unchallenged and in the process writing her name in Kenya's Olympics folklore.

Among those who had previously attempted the marathon feat include Catherine Ndereba, fondly known as 'Catherine the Great'.

A serial winner at the Boston and Chicago Marathons, as well as many other road races in cities across the world, Ndereba's only flaw was her failure to win a gold at the Olympics.

She tried twice but she had to be content in both by managing second position--Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

On Sunday, as Sumgong breasted the tape at the Sambodromo finish line in Rio de Janeiro, Ndereba was among the Kenyans who cheered wildly. At last, the barrier had finally been broken and Ndereba was delighted.

"It makes me feel so good because after the far I went, there is someone who has finally taken over the baton and achieved something that I didn't," Ndereba said immediately after the race.

It turns out Ndereba had actually foreseen the long awaited achievement.

A day before the race, Ndereba, who is in Rio as the deputy general team manager--cum--chaperone, took time to pysche up and motivate the Kenyan women's marathon team, which also included, Paris Marathon champion Visiline Jepkesho and world silver medllaist Helah Kiprop.

"I was speaking with them last night and telling them that they have what it takes to win that gold medal," said Ndereba, who even before the team left for Brazil, expressed confidence in the team's ability.

"Why not? I see a lot of potential in all the three athletes. A gold medal is not beyond their capability," Ndereba told the Daily Nation Sport at the time.

For a country with athletes who perennially dominate world major marathons--in Tokyo, London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago and New York--it has been puzzling that over the years Kenyan women marathoners have struggled to claim the ultimate prize at the Olympics.

Not until Sumgong came along.

But according to Ndereba, there are many factors that have contributed to this occurrence.

"Championship races are quite different from city marathons. The timing and other factors such as whether play a big part in championship races," Ndereba told Daily Nation Sport in Rio.

And now with the women's marathon jinx broken, there is renewed hope within the Kenyan camp that men's team can follow suit and reclaim a title that has only been won once by a Kenyan--the late Samuel Wanjiru--eight years ago in Beijing.

The men's marathon will be the showstopper when the curtains come down on the 2016 Olympic Games on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro.

Kenya struck Olympics gold to top the athletics medal table at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Yesterday, 22--year-old Faith Chepng'etich Kipyegon set the medal--winning mission in motion when she dramatically upstaged Ethiopia's world 1,500m record holder Genzebe Dibaba.

Then two--time world 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto added to the day's gold medal account as he upset two--time Olympics champion Ezekiel Kemboi at the Olympic Stadium.

Kemboi's defeat marked a turning point as he handed over the reins to Kipruto, who lost to him twice--at the World Championships in Moscow (2013) and in Beijing in 2015.

Huge gap

Kipruto, who comes from Kipchunu village in Nandi County, won Kenya's fourth gold medal in Rio--coming after Jemimah Sumgong (marathon), David Rudisha (800m) and Chepng'etich (1,500m).

KAMPALA--Continental body Caf are rarely in a rush to announce things, especially money things.

Caf Secretary General, Hicham El Amrani, had of course after the 2013 edition said they had no plans to increase the money Afcon winners of that year, Nigeria, and Zambia in 2012 had earned in prize cash.

But that revenues for the football body had increased over the years, there was hope that the purse to competing nations would grow as well in the 2015 Nations Cup.

But alas! Hicham and his boss Issa Hayatou were not about to go against their word. Winners of the 2015 Afcon edition, Ivory Coast, were also to take home $1.5m (Shs5b) of the $10m (Shs34b) jackpot, the same Nigeria and Zambia earned previously.
Will CAF keep the same amount even after signing a new main sponsor--Total --for their top 10 club and national team competitions for the next eight years, which is said to be the biggest in their history?

And how much is the new deal? Well, just like in 2009 when they signed with Orange, only the two parties know.
But whether they increase the lottery or not, one thing we can confirm is Uganda will for the first time since 1978 be part of the Afcon party, and since 2012, billions.

Let us use the previous earnings to see how much the Cranes will/could rake in once the finals are done with in Gabon.

Group Stage
By just qualifying for the finals you are assured of going home with at least $400,000 (Shs1.4b). That is the money all teams that finished last in their groups earned in the previous three editions. And if you go one level better and finish third in the group, you earn Shs200m more. Should the Cranes stop in the group stages, they will still return with some good dollars and a little bit of more exposure.

Knockout stage
Should Micho's men mark the Cranes return to the table of men by emerging from the group, they will have upped their share of the Shs34b to $600,000 (Shs2b), earnings for teams that make the last eight, with the purse increasing by Shs500m for losing semifinalists.

Final
This is where both the Holy Grail and money will be furiously fought for. Together with the trophy, winners will pocket $1.5m (Shs5b), with runners-up settling for Shs1.5b less.

Is it enough?
While this might look some really good money because of the two words 'billion shillings', it is hardly so with the current footballing standards, and also when you consider the supposed huge revenues CAF are raking in.

Euros champions, for example, can earn as high as €27 (102b) depending on group positions, matches drawn and won among others. It goes without saying that Uefa rake in much higher revenues than Caf but it is also justified in the manner European teams share their loot.

Far in the Americas, Conmebol paid $7m (23.6b) to 2011 Copa America champions Uruguay while the Asian Football Confederation released $10m (Shs34b) to the top three teams this year.

Brand and exposure
While the prize money at Afcon might not look as alluring as the other continents, qualifying alone will have the Cranes in high stead as their brand will likely attract more corporate partnerships and sponsors. Apart from players using the platform to market themselves to better leagues, they could also earn themselves private sponsorships.

Bonus for team
The victory on Sunday guaranteed each player a cool $10,000 (Shs34m). It is the highest amount of money ever awarded by the federation to national team players in bonuses. Cranes will get similarly huge rewards if they excel at the Nations Cup.

Cash for grabs

Cash prize pot:
$10m (Shs34b)

Winners:
$1.5m (Shs5b)

Runners-up:
$1m (Shs3.5b)

Losing semifinalists:
$750,000 each (Shs2.5b)

Quarterfinalists:
$600,000 each (Shs2b)

Third in group:
$500,000 each (Shs1.6b)

Bottom in group:
$400,000 each (Shs1.4b)

World javelin champion Julius Yego left an Eldoret hospital Monday where he was rushed on Sunday night after being involved in a high-impact accident that wrote off his week--old sports utility vehicle (SUV).

Yego was driving his brand--new Toyota Prado on Kapsoya Road at around 10pm when the accident happened near Equity Bank. He was alone in the vehicle.

Kenya's Mary Keitany captured her third consecutive New York City Marathon women's title on Sunday, pulling away just past the halfway mark on the way to an overwhelming triumph.

Keitany won in an unofficial time of two hours, 24 minutes and 26 seconds, well off the New York women's course record of 2:22.31 by Kenya's Margaret Okayo in 2003.

Keitany, the second-fastest woman in marathon history behind Britain's Paula Radcliffe, has the longest New York women's win streak since Norway's Grete Waitz took five in a row from 1982-1986.

With plenty of time to prepare for her 26.2-mile Big Apple run after not being selected to compete at the Rio Olympics, Keitany cruised to the $100,000 top prize.

Keitany was in a pack of 14 after five miles led by Ethiopia's Buzunesh Deba, twice a New York runner-up and Boston podium finisher without a win at either.

Keitany, whose personal best is 2:18:37, accelerated the pace and by the 10-mile mark the lead group had trimmed to herself, Kenya's Joyce Chepkirui and Ethiopia's Aselefech Mergia.

By mile 12, Mergia was falling back and at 15 miles, Keitany had opened a 10-second lead. By mile 16, Chepkirui's gap was 33 seconds back and growing and Keitany surged to the finish alone.

Eritrean Ghirmay Ghebreslassie, the reigning world marathon champion, captured the 40th New York City Marathon men's title on Sunday, the first winner from outside Kenya since 2010.

Eight days shy of his 21st birthday, the prodigy accelerated at the halfway mark and overwhelmed his rivals to run alone over the final miles to win in two hours, seven minutes and 51 seconds.

Kenya's Lucas Rotich was second in 2:08:53. Stanley Biwott, last year's New York champion, was out before the halfway mark.

Footballers in Rwanda have been banned from using witchcraft during games after a striker scored a goal within seconds of allegedly performing a ritual mid-game.

In a match in the Rwandan Premier League between Mukura Victory and Rayon Sports, Mukura striker Moussa Camara looked to perform a ritual on the goal post.

Camara was seen putting some paraphernalia on the goal post, and then scoring a goal within seconds.

The striker, whose team was losing 1-0 at the time, was then chased away by Rayon Sports goalkeeper and a number of yellow-clad opponents.

Vice president of Rwanda FA Vedasite Kayiranga said: "In Federation of Rwanda Football Association statutes we don't have any law punishing the use of witchcraft."

Kayirangatold the Sunthat there was nowhere in the world where was proven that it can influence the outcome of a game.

"However, with the violence between players because of allegations that one team is using it, we have decided to enact laws," he added.

Hamza Nkuutu, acolumnistfor Rwandan newspaper the New Times, said Camara removed an item that the Mukura goalkeeper had allegedly planted as part of a witchcraft ritual to protect the goal.

"This happened twice, which meant the referee had to stop the match twice," Nkuutu said.

Despite various bans at the international level, the practice of witchcraft remains prevalent in Africa, including in Rwanda where the antics of the Mukura-Rayon match went viral.

Players found guilty of practicing witchcraft will face a three-match ban and a roughly $120 (Sh12,296) fine.

Coaches who use the witchcraft will face a four-match ban and a $240 (Sh24,607) fine.

According tothe New Times,if a first-division team is found guilty of using witchcraft, it'll lose three points in the league's standings and pay more than $600(Sh61,484) in fines.

BOSTON--Thanking the Kenyans who have already reserved tickets to the 3rd Annual Boston Marathon Kenyan Festival slated for Saturday April 15 at the Anthony's Lounge in Malden, organizers have agreed to requests by other interested Kenyans to extend the dinner ticket reservations till tomorrow, Thursday April 12 at 3pm in order to enable planning for sufficient dinner.

All other guests purchasing tickets after the extended deadline or those who show up to pay at the door will not be guaranteed entry or food at the dinner table.

The event, the first of its kind to kick off spring events as the weather rapidly gets warmer following a long winter season, will feature an immigration information session conducted by Kenyan immigration attorneys, an open discussion on intended Diaspora taxation by the Kenyan government, community issues, gospel performances and general entertainment by DJ Yard, a popular Kenyan DJ in Boston.

Patriotic Kenyans from all backgrounds including age, tribal, religious, social or economic who harbor great concerns to promote unity in the community as well as help Kenyan kids looking for cultural attachment with their motherland are urged to make plans to attend or donate to the cause to defray the hosting costs.

Dinner tickets are going for free with kids 15 and below getting free entry.

Kenyans and friends are urged to continue making their reservations online through the eventbrite website here, or by depositing cash in the designated Square cash app with a Cashtag of: John Brett: 857-891-5524 and show up in Kenyan colors.

(Updated Mon April 17) BOSTON__Elite Kenyan marathon runners are itching to reclaim the title they lost to Ethiopia last year when they hit the road tomorrow morning at Hopkinton, up and down Heartbreak Hill and on to the finish line in downtown Boston on Boylston Street at Copley Square.

During an interview with Ajabu Africa from their hotel at Fairmont Copley Plaza, several runners expressed optimism at the prospects.

"It's not easy but I will do my best to win the race. We will see what happens," said Caroline Kilel, the 2015 Boston Marathon Champion.

First time to compete in Boston, Edna Kiplagat, the 2010 New York Marathon champion, runners up at the 2016 Chicago marathon and winner of the 2011- 2013 World Athletics Championship said that she hopes to extend her winnning ways to Boston in 2017.

"I have high hopes that i will win Boston during my first try here. It's a great and historical race so it would feel good to win," said Kiplagat flanked by her two young children accompanying her from Kenya.

Other Kenyan elite men former champions including the 2012 winner, Welsley Korir are also in Boston in an effort to regain the glory that has evaded Kenyan male runners for 5 years in a row.

However, Kenyan Diaspora half marathon runner, Stephen Sambu clocked in second behind USA's New England native, Ben True during the 5k race held Saturday before the main race on Monday.

Stephen Sambu, a Kenyan Diaspora Marathon runner from Arizona who finish second in the hald marathon race Saturday behind USA's Ben True. AJABU PIC/H.MAINA

"That guy surprised me. He was very competitive and he beat me by 2 seconds to the finish line. I tried my best and I salute the American for the great win," Sambu told Ajabu Africa News.

The race starts Monday 9.30am.

Kenyan fans are also expected to throng the finish line in big numbers after several years of low attendance following the infamous bomb blast.

However, with improved and iron clad security measures instituted by authorities, fans have felt more secure to return to the finish line to cheer on their favorite Kenyan runners.

(April 18, 2017) BOSTON__They did it! Geoffrey Kirui and Edna Kiplagat, two Kenyans competing at the Boston marathon race for the first time won their respective male and female division titles sending Kenyan fans in Boston and in the motherland overjoyed with excitement, especially after a 5 year drought for men since Wilson Korir won back in 2012.

Kirui blasted across the finish line with a time of 2:09:37, 22 seconds ahead of an unexpected challenge from USA's Gallen Rupp while Edna Kiplagat edged Rose Chelimo, a Kenyan born now for Bahrain, her country of  Citizenship with a time of 2.21:52 to Chelimo's 2:22:52.

One more Kenya male runner, Wilson Chebet finished 5th behind USA's Kenyan born Shadrack Biwott to firmly put Kenyans back to their familiar position as the most dominant Boston marathon runners for over two decades.

Surprisingly, there were five American runners finishing in the top ten positions in the men's race and one in the women's race where Jordan Hasay took the third position behind the Kenyans.

Even more surprising was the under-performance by the usually competitive Ethiopians since only one runner, Dino Sefir finished 8th in the men's race while only two, Buzunesh Deba and Ruti Aga clocked in 7th and 10th respectively in the women's division.

And for the first time ever, a Burundi national made it to the top 10 when Diane Nukuru finished 9th in the women's division. Two DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) nationals that Ajabu Africa spotted with their national flag said that they had come to support a countryman who was competing at Boston for the first time ever.

"I am very happy with this win. It was my first time to run in Boston and I was very happy I won," said Kirui during an interview with Ajabu Africa News.

He added that he was looking forward to coming back to Boston to defend the title.

"God willing, I will be back next year to compete again," he said.

Equally ecstatic was Edna Kiplagat after taking the Boston Marathon with a storm to add to her already long list of impressive wins. The mother of 5 was the 2010 New York marathon champion, 2015 and 2015 London marathon champion, 2016 Chicago marathon runners up, 2013 World Athletics Championship winner and many more.

"I feel very happy to win in Boston during my first time here. Boston marathon is very popular and it feels very good to win."

Flanked by her two younger children, Kiplagat told Ajabu Africa news that she was very happy to see Kenyan fans come to support the runners before the race and come to cheer during the race. She said the experience motivated her to work harder so as not to disappoint the fans and her family.

"I did not expect to see Kenyans here but I was very happy when they came to the hotel to talk with us. I give thanks to God for helping me win today and made them happy. I hope next time we can meet more Kenyans and their children here in Boston," said the mother whose husband was unable to secure a visa to accompany her, according to media reports.

Contrary to the tradition, where Kenyans fans hardly attract attention from local Boston media, fans at the finish line who were donning Kenyan flags and in Kenyan colors instantly became a center of attraction with many media outlets, including Boston's popular radio WBUR, an affiliate of NPR (National Public Radio) dedicating the entire time it took to finish the race interviewing Kenyans.

Die hard fans regretted that the population of Kenyans in the region who used to attend the marathon in the past succumbed to fear and abandoned their patriotic duty of supporting the runners who bring so much glory to their country since 2013 Boston marathon bomb.

"The guys who did not show up here today have missed a lot of fun. This was a fantastic day. There was no threat at all from terrorist attack. The security is now very tight and Kenyan fans should consider coming back next year," said Dr. Peter Ngige, a Kenyan pharmacist who had a trip from Lowell to cheer the runners.

"It was a very enjoyable and fun day for us. We came out to cheer and support our runners just like the Americans are all over the place to support their own.There is no need fr Kenyan fans to fear coming back here. I saw a lot of Americans with young children who came out to cheer and have a good time," said Caroline Kimani, a young Kenyan from Boston.

According to the Boston Athletics Association, the 2017 Boston marathon (121st edition) attracted 30,074 runners of who 27,221 started the race with 26,411 finishing.

In addition, many Americans usually compete at the Boston marathon to raise funds in support various charitable organizations with over $100 million generated by the 2017 edition.

Edna Kiplagat and Geoffrey Kirui

Male division winners, numbers 2-10

Female division winners, numbers 2-10

Over 80 year old category winners.

Kenyan and Ethiopian fans celebrate

Harrison Maina of Ajabu Media and other fans ​celebrates with Edna Kiplagat at the Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel

Boston's WBUR Radio journalist, Simon talks to Kenyan fans as Voice of America's Harrison Waweru 9background) covers the marathon events.

Marathon fans enjoy great outdoors in Boston

More Pics coming soon!

BOSTON---In a wide ranging interview from the marathon finish line, Simon Rios of Boston’s top WBUR Radio which is part of NPR News, chats with local Kenyan marathon fans on the nuances of running a marathon and what it means to Kenyans in general as their compatriots sweep the podium at the 2017 edition of the historic Boston marathon.

Click the RED BUTTON from the link below to listen live

Local Kenyans Rejoice As Compatriots Sweep 2017 Boston Marathon

Ajabu Media Editors Note: Ugly, racist comments were hurled at a Kenyan woman in Boston soon after leading fans and players in singing the US National Anthem during the start of a baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday night.

According to multiple media sources, the woman, a student at northeastern University, became the second victim of racial bigotry in as many days after Adam Jones, a player for the orioles faced racial taunts with a bag of chips thrown at him at the same ball park on Monday.

MORE FROM NPR NEWS BELOW
Boston Red Sox Fan Reports A Racial Slur, And A Lifetime Ban Results

At the same baseball game that saw Boston Red Sox fans make amends with a player targeted by racial slurs at Fenway Park, one fan reportedly used a slur to comment on a singer -- and that fan has now been banned from the stadium.

"Yes, it was a racial comment," Red Sox club President Sam Kennedy said,according to the team. "It was a racial comment used to describe the national anthem that was taking place, the performance of the national anthem. It was sickening to hear."

The fan was ejected and told not to come back to Fenway after he used a slur in speaking to another fan about the Kenyan woman who had just sung the anthem before Tuesday's game.

Both of the men who were speaking are white. But the man to whom the remark was addressed is Calvin Hennick, the father of a 6-year-old, mixed-race son who was sitting with him in the stands.

"Took my son to his first baseball game tonight,"Hennick wrote on Twitter,adding that he had "spent the day mentally defending my city" after Monday night's game in which Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones was subjected to racial taunts and a bag of peanuts was thrown at him.

Describing the encounter with a man he described as a "middle-aged white fan," Hennick said the fan had criticized the woman who sang the anthem by saying, "It was too long, and she n******* it up."

"I thought that surely I'd misheard him," Hennick wrote, saying he asked the man to repeat himself.

"Just to be clear," Hennick said he then responded to the man, repeating his words back to him once again.

"That's right," the man replied, according to Hennick. "And I stand by it."

Hennick said he "immediately found an usher and told him what transpired."

"To the Sox's credit, they took the incident seriously," Hennick wrote, adding that when he was brought to identify the fan, the man denied using the slur. Hennick, his son and his father-in-law were given better seats, and the man was eventually kicked out.

While he initially thought the other fan had spoken in the belief that they shared the same views on race,Hennick tells The Associated Press,"The more I think about it, the more I think it was a deliberate thumb in the eye."

Calvin Hennick (right) attends a Red Sox game with his son, Nile, and his father-in-law, Guy Mont-Louis, at Boston's Fenway Park. Hennick reported a white fan who he said made a racist remark about a Kenyan woman who sang the national anthem.Courtesy of Calvin Hennick

The ousted fan hasn't been publicly identified; the Red Sox say the Boston police were also involved in the case.

"When we see this sort of thing, we must fight back," Hennick wrote on Twitter. "Our opponent lacks a spine. There is no way for us not to win."

Hennick has spoken out about racism before --most notably in 2014, when the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., prompted him to write an essay for Ebony titled,I Hope My Son Stays White,in which he admitted to fears about how his son is perceived.

The Red Soxes' Kennedy said he couldn't recall another incident in which a fan was permanently banned from Fenway Park. He thanked Hennick for reporting the issue and said he was proud of how the park's staff had reacted.

The interaction came on the same night Red Sox fans had been urged to show they welcome all races, after Monday's ugly incident that targeted Adam Jones. And thousands of Boston fans did that, giving a loud and hearty round of applause for the Baltimore player.

Former world No. 1 golfer Tiger Woods was arrested in South Florida early on Monday on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to an online Palm Beach County Police report.

Woods, who is second on the all-time list with 14 major titles, was booked at 7.18am (1118 GMT) and released several hours later on his own recognizance, the report showed.

Representatives for the 41-year-old American were not immediately available when asked by Reuters to comment.

Woods, who is currently sidelined from competition after having his fourth back surgery in April, said last week that he felt better than he had in years and had no plans to retire from competitive golf.

"Presently, I'm not looking ahead," Woods wrote on his website.

"I can't twist for another two and a half to three months. Right now, my sole focus is rehab and doing what the doctors tell me. I am concentrating on short-term goals."

This is not the first time Woods has made headlines away from the golf course. His private life unraveled in late 2009 over allegations about affairs with several women and ultimately led to the end of his marriage.

Those allegations followed a bizarre early morning car accident outside his Florida home that rapidly ballooned into a fully-fledged sex scandal which turned his previously unblemished life and career upside down.

The scandal ultimately cost Woods a number of lucrative endorsement deals, while other sponsors shifted away from using him in marketing but did not end their contracts with him.

Woods, whose current sponsors include Nike, Bridgestone, Hero, Kowa, Upper Deck, and Monster Energy was ranked 12th on Forbes' list of the highest-paid athletes in 2016, with total earnings of $45.3 million, despite missing much of the year recovering from back surgery.

A 79-time winner on the PGA Tour who was world No. 1 for a record 683 weeks, Woods lost form in recent years due to injuries and the mastering of a new swing while his ranking has plummeted to 876 after his long spell on the sidelines.

He has competed in only 19 events on the PGA Tour since the end of 2013, recording just one top-10 during that period along with seven missed cuts and three withdrawals.

World athletics chief Sebastian Coe has said the recent leakage of athletes' personal medical information by hackers group Fancy Bears, which also appeared to link elite Kenyan athletes to doping, was unacceptable.

Addressing a news conference in Nairobi on the eve of the Under-18 world athletics championships, the president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) president said the leakage should not be interpreted as proof of doping.

"Everybody is entitled to private medical information and it is unacceptable that this should find its way to public domain," Coe told reporters.

He also said one reading of an athlete's biological passport did not constitute wrongdoing or an infringement.

"It might have been taken out of context and very misleading," Coe said.

Among Kenyans whose personal medical records were leaked by the global hackers are three-times world 1,500 metres champion Asbel Kiprop and javelin world champion and Olympic silver medallist Julius Yego.

British distance runner Mo Farah, a four-times Olympic gold medallist, was also a victim of the hack.

Coe denied that athletics is losing its popularity, saying that tickets for next month’s world championships in London had sold out quickly.

"But we must do everything we can to remain relevant and salient in the lives of young people," he said.

"We have upgraded technology and adopted creative ways of telling our narrative to improve presentation of our sport."

By the time Mary Keitany was pacing her way up Manhattan's First Avenue, she had no reason to look back for challengers. The Kenyan's lead was growing over the strong women's field with every stride, and all she thought about was the finish line.

Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia didn't break out into a big grin until he pulled away from two opponents late in the race.

In perfect crisp autumn weather for distance runners, Keitany and Desisa won the New York City Marathon on Sunday in near record times.

Keitany, 36, became the second woman to win the marathon four times. She ran the race in 2 hours, 22 minutes, 48 seconds, the second fastest time for the course in history. Margaret Okayo of Kenya set the record of 2:22:31 in 2003.

"I can say the course record was not in my mind," Keitany said. "For me, winning was the most important."

Desisa, 28, held off countryman Shura Kitata by 1.99 seconds for his first win in New York, joining victories at the Boston Marathon in 2013 and 2015. He finished second in New York in 2014 and third in 2015 and 2017.

"This is my dream," Desisa said. "To be a champion."

Desisa finished in 2 hours, 5 minutes, 59 seconds, the second fastest time for the course. Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya set the record of 2:05:05 in 2011. Last year's winner, Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya, finished third.

"I'm pretty happy to finish on the podium," Kamworor said. "I came out the best that I could in the race. I tried my best, and I'm happy to be third."

Keitany won in 2014, 2015 and 2016 before coming in second last year to Shalane Flanagan, the first American woman in 40 years to win the New York City Marathon. She joined Grete Waitz, the Norwegian who won the marathon nine times between 1978-1988, as the only women to win the marathon four times.

She and Ethiopians Rahma Tusa and Gudeta turned their race to a three-woman field at the 15-mile mark. Keitany pulled away from Tusa and Gudeta at the 19-mile mark, leading Tusa by 26.58 seconds and Gudeta by 43.98 seconds. She extended her lead over Tusa to 1:27.83 at the 21-mile mark.

From that point, the question was not whether Keitany would win. Rather, it was by how much.

She beat countrywoman Vivian Cheruiyot by 3 minutes, 13 seconds.

Flanagan finished third.

"You have to find motivation, things to focus on," Flanagan said. "When I finally got to third place, I got another level of excitement because I was fighting."

The United States had four women finish in the top 10: Molly Huddle was fourth, Desiree Linden was sixth and Allie Kieffer was seventh.

Four American men also finished in the top 10: Jared Ward was sixth, Scott Fauble was seventh, Shadrack Biwott was ninth and Chris Derrick was tenth.

Daniel Romanchuk became the first American to win the men's wheelchair division, with a time of 1:36:21. Romanchuk finished 01.15 seconds ahead of Switzerland's Marcel Hug. David Weir of Britain, American Aaron Pike and Australian Kurt Fernley rounded out the top five.

"I need air and I'm in pain," said Romanchuk, a 20-year old from Champaign, Illinois, who won the Chicago Marathon last month. "It's wonderful to be able to win my two Abbott major marathons on American soil. It's an amazing experience."

Manuela Schar of Switzerland repeated as winner of the women's wheelchair division. Schar, who also won the Berlin and Chicago marathons, finished with a time of 1:50:27. American Tatyana McFadden finished second with a time of 1:50:48. Lihong Zou of China came in third. Eliza Ault-Connell of Australia and Margriet Van Den Broek of the Netherlands finished fourth and fifth.

"New York is always a really tough one for me because of the course," Schar said. "I'm not really a good climber so I always have to work really hard in the flat part. Yeah (I) tried to make that ground that I lose in the hills. I'm always a bit more nervous before New York than before the other races."

Retired NFL running back Tiki Barber finished the race in 4:44:47. He has run the marathon every year since 2014, with his best time being 4:28:26 in 2016. Actress Teri Hatcher recorded a time of 5:51:21 in her second marathon. In 2014, she compiled a time of 5:06:42.

Kansas City, Missouri

The New England Patriots are Super Bowl bound for the 9th time in 19 years after their 37 -31 overtime win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game played at the Arrowhead stadium on Sunday night.

The Patriots entered the game as the underdogs but showed their championship pedigree and that contrary to recent expert opinion they are more than capable of winning on the road even against the number one offense in the league.

New England got off to a fast start in the first half of the game when they took a 14 - 0 lead thanks to a masterful offense, tactful special teams and impenetrable defense. The players illustrated why they had embraced the underdog role all week and now sought to prove that they did not travel to the Midwest as mere participants at the coronation ceremony of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady, playing in his 13th AFC championship game proved why he is the greatest of all time to play his position with his purposeful approach and execution under center and improved to 11-0 against first time playoff quarterbacks, a feat no other quarterback has achieved.

The newly crowned and defending AFC Champions have advanced to the Superbowl and will now face the Los Angeles Rams who defeated the New Orleans Saints earlier in the day to earn their ticket to Superbowl LIII to be played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, February 3rd 2019.

If Brady and the Patriots beat the Rams at Super Bowl LIII, Brady would become the only player in NFL history to win six Super Bowl titles. He is currently tied with Charles Haley (49ers, Cowboys), as well as, 14 other Super Bowl records.

Among other notable marks on his record, the 41-year-old Brady is the all-time leader in Super Bowl passing yards (2,576), completions (235), touchdown passes (18) and starts (8) by a quarterback.

Superbowl LIII will be here before we know it. it is therefore time to rest up and prepare for what promises to be a battle of 2 offensive powerhouses battling for top honors at the pinnacle of the National Football League. The Patriots have been there and done that and they will enter Superbowl bowl 53 as favorites. It will be fun to watch to see if they can bring a second title to Titletown, USA on the heels of the Boston Red Sox winning the World Series trophy last October.If you would like to know, my money is on....yes New England who are making their third straight trip to the Superbowl!

Foxborough, Massachusetts

On a crisp Sunday afternoon, the New England Patriots once again advanced to their 8th straight AFC Championship Game by demolishing the Los Angeles Chargers 41 - 28 during their Divisional round match up played at Foxborough's Gillete Stadium.

Patriots quarter back Tom Brady showed why he is billed as the greatest of all time when he returned to his vintage form and threw for 343 yards and a touchdown, while two of his top receivers, Julian Edelman and James White had a game for the record books. The total number of yards between the two offenses, 498 against 335 in favour of New England illustrated physical and tactical mismatches with New England attacking the Chargers Defensive Line and dominating them during the entire game.

The Patriots defense on the other hand rose to the occasion and though the only 2 sacks they handed to Chargers quarterback, Philip Rivers do not tell the story, the pressure and pain inflicted on the Chargers Offensive Line ensured Rivers made quick and often inaccurate throws.

The win means that the New England Patriots will now travel to Arrowhead Stadium for the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs who edged out the Indianapolis Colts and are the number 1 seed on Sunday January 20th. Patriots coach, Bill Belichick will need to dig deep into his bag of tricks in what is expected to be an epic match up of two high powered offenses with Chiefs led by QB Patrick Mahomes who is arguably this season's Most Valuable Player.

The Kansas City Chiefs are favored to win this game by 3 points making this the first time in 67 games, the New Englad Patriots enter a game as the underdog. It is easy to overlook just how good the Patriots are especially in a season in which they were written off several times, but they are battle tested on the big stage, an advantage they have over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

The AFC Championship Game kicks off on Sunday, January 20th at 6:40 p.m Eastern Time on CBS and the winner will head to Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII. If we are going by previous experiences, I would bet all my money on New England as well as some from my neighbors, for you should never doubt the heart of a champion.

Ardent Patriots fans Jeff and Linda Schwartz were on hand to cheer

New England to victory at Gillette Stadium ( Pic. Courtesy of J. Schwartz)

Kenya's Hellen Obiri becomes the first woman to win outdoors, indoors, and cross-country world individual titles at a senior level after she won the women's senior race at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus Denmark.

Obiri who was on her debut at the cross country event became the first woman to win outdoors (5,000m), indoors (3,000m), and cross-country (10km) titles.

The Kenyan led the race from start to finish beating Ethiopian duo Dera Dida and Gidey Letesenbet to claim gold while Dida settled for silver.

"This is the only medal I didn't have and I am happy to claim it in style, I led from the start but I was not in a hurry considering the tough course. I wanted to break midway but I couldn't shake off my rivals. I knew the Ethiopians were tough on the hills hence I kept them close until the last hill before I broke," Said Obiri.

Six days to the day ( May 7th), Liverpool were left for dead following a 3 - 0 drubbing at the hands of F.C Barcelona and Lionel Messi in Spain. Fast forward to kick off Tuesday, May 7th for the return leg of the UEFA Champions League semi final and the odds were against the English side given the fact that the Spanish Giants had a 3 goal advantage and the Jurgen Kloop's boys would need to score atleast 4 unanswered goals to advance to the June 1st final.

Many fair weather fans (read United fans) and bookmakers doubted Liverpool's chances but Divoc Origi(the son of former Kenyan professional footballer, Mike Okoth Origi) and Georginio Wijnaldum consolidated an English side reeling from the absence of Egyptian striker, Mohammed Salah to contain the likes of Phillipe Coutinho and Luis Suarez (both former Liverpool players) as well football great Lionel Messi.

Liverpool's win means that they will now face Victor Wanyama's Tottenham Hotspur who stunned Ajax with a 3- 2 win on the road on Wednesday. The final,will be the first all English affair since 2008 when Chelsea played and lost to Manchester United in Moscow.The game will be played at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain on Saturday June 1st 2019.

updated: Wednesday May 8th

Stay stuned for updates.....

(Related Story)

By the time Boston marathon runners hit the sixth mile marker of the 26.2 miles course last week, a group of Kenyans and Ethiopian men had already formed a pact that separated and created a gap between themselves and the rest of the 30,000 strong marathoners out to shine and raise money for various charities.

The group would dominate the course for the entire time with the gap increasing with every other mile they ran. The three lead positions were intermittently switching between Kenyand. Ethiopians and the increasingly competitive US runners.

The decision as to which country was would take home the trophy was therefore not decided very early into the race but the question as to who would be the champion was always too close to call.

As the leading pack of runners took a final turn on Hereford Street to take a view of the finish line way down legendary Boylston Street, Ethiopia's Lelisa Desisa who won the Boston race twice in 2015 and 2013 took opened a commanding lead over the Kenyans.

However, Kenya's Lawrence Cherono, who made his debut appearance at the Boston marathon as the world's fastest man based on his record breaking performance last year at the Amsterdam marathon (2:04:06), kept up the pace slightly behind Desisa's heels. As the two epic runners approached the final few meters, Desisa saw his lead dissipate in a flash when the Kenyan's sudden burst of energy saw him break the tape first at 2:07:57, literally 2 seconds ahead of Desisa who clocked 2:07:59.

Lawrence Cherono wins Boston marathon 2019. Getty Images

Cherono's epic win brought back to the fore the legendary dominance of Kenyan's as the most feared runners at the world's most popular marathon after a poor showing last year in a day that saw 7 Kenyan men and 4 women finish among top ten runners in their respective races. The great performance redeemed Kenyan runners from the debacle during the 2018 marathon marred by extremely cold and rainy weather elements.

This year however, the Kenyan and Ethiopian runners could not have wished for a better weather situation. With a light rain present at start time clearing by 10.30 am, giving way to temperatures hovering around 50 degrees, the Kenyans came out strong with a brisk pace that left runners from USA and other parts of the cold weather countries training badly.

Edna Kiplagat on her way to claim second position in the women's race. AJABU IMAGES/H.MAINA

Other Kenyan top male Kenyans to finishing in top 10 positions included Kenneth Kipkemboi at number 3 followed by Felix Kandie (fourth), Geoffrey Kirui (fifth) and Philemon Rono(sixth) with Benson Kipruto completing the rout at number 10.

Two USA runners in the men's race staged an impressive fight against the east Africans when Scott Fauble and Jared Ward finished at number seven and eight respectively.

"I am so grateful, so happy," stated the newly crowned winner, whose victory was his first in an Abbott World Marathon Majors event. "To me, I am poor in finishing races. But today, I did a fantastic job. It was very nice for me," Cherono told reporters at the end of the race.

Before Cherono's stunning victory however, a similar pattern of performance by Kenyan, Ethiopian and US elite female runners saw defending champion, Edna Kiplagat of Kenya finish at number two with a 2.24.13 on the clock, 42 seconds behind eventual winner, Worknesh Degefa of Ethiopia (2.23.31).

Three other Kenyan women followed suit among the top 10 finishers including 2013 defending champion, Caroline Rotich, the 2015 Boston marathon champion who came in at number 6, newcomer, Mary Ngugi clocked in at number 7 and Betsy Saina at tying up number 10.

However, runners from the USA gave the east Africans from Kenyan and Ethiopia a run for their money with Jordan Hasay finishing at number 3 with 1.49 minutes behind Kiplagat, while defending champion, Dez Linden of USA finished fifth with compatriot, Lindsay Flanagan coming in at number nine.

Despite the massive show of effort by Kenyan runners at the 123rd edition of the Boston, Kenyan diaspora marathon fans were nowhere to be seen.  According to an Ajabu Media count, only 5 fans were spotted flying the Kenyan flag at the finish line.

The lonely fans complained that since the marathon bombing in 2013, most Kenyans in the region had stopped coming out to support and cheer the runners who have done their part to raise the profile of their country at the world's most challenging and highly followed by millions of fans around the world.

The few Kenyan diaspora fans cheering on their runnners at the 2019 Boston marathon finish line. AJABU IMAGES/MOSEZ MATHENGE

"I don't understand why the thousands of Kenyans in Boston would chose to let down their world beating marathon runners by failingto show up to cheer while Americans in the area come out in millions. The fact that there was a bombing six years ago does not mean there will always be bombings at the marathon finish line," said Chebet Kirui, a female fan who has never missed a race since 2005.

"Others fans refused to come out just because weather forecast had indicated it would rain. But if you are afraid of the rain, how about the runners who never quit running in the rain, and other American fans that still come out to cheer in the rain? Kenyan fans need to come back to the finish line so we can all cheer together and have the fun we used to," added another fan thrilled with the win but disappointed with Kenyan diaspora fans.

The few fans and runners who spoke to Ajabu Media urged local fans to make sacrifices for their country in such important moments as the Boston marathon by showing up to the finish line for future races as expected of real patriots. In general however, attendance to the 2019th edition of the race was low as many fans including local Bostonians kept away inclement weather forecasted earlier.

Most of the runners also vowed to come back to repeat the outstanding performance and keep the Kenyan flying high during the 124th eition of the Boston marathon to be held mid -April 2020.

For full 2019 Boston marathon results,click here >>>>
More pics below
 

Worknesh Degefa of Ethiopia sprints to break the tape and win the 2019 Boston marathon women's title. JABU IMAGES/H.MAINA

2013 Boston marathon women's race defending champion, Caroline Rotich of Kenya sprints to the finish line at Boston marathon 2019. AJABU IMAGES/H.MAINA

2012 Boston marathon women's race defending champion, Sharon Cherop of Kenya sprints to the finish line at Boston marathon 2019

2018 Boston marathon women's race defending champion, Dez Linden of USa sprints to the finish line at Boston marathon 2019. AJABU IMAGES/H.MAINA

BOSTON__The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced that the 124th Boston Marathon will be held as a virtual event, following Boston Mayor Martin Walsh's cancellation of the marathon as a mass participation road running event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual Boston Marathon will be complemented by a series of virtual events throughout the second week of September.

"Our top priority continues to be safeguarding the health of the community, as well as our staff, participants, volunteers, spectators, and supporters," said Tom Grilk, C.E.O. of the B.A.A. "While we cannot bring the world to Boston in September, we plan to bring Boston to the world for an historic 124th Boston Marathon."

All participants who were originally registered for the April 20, 2020 event will be offered a full refund of their entry fee associated with the race and will have the opportunity to participate in the virtual alternative to the 124th Boston Marathon, which can be run any time between September 7-14.The B.A.A. will also offer a series of virtual events and activities throughout September's Marathon Week in an effort to bring the Boston Marathon experience to the constituencies that the organization serves here in Boston, across the United States, and around the world.

Virtual offerings for participants during that week will include exclusive panal discussions, champions interviews, and a downloadable Boston Marathon toolkit that includes signature race elements such as a printable finish line, winner's breaktape, and more. Further details will be sent to all entrants in the near future.

Participants in the virtual 2020 Boston Marathon will be required to complete the 26.2 mile distance within a six hour time period and provide proof of timing to the B.A.A. All athletes who complete the virtual race will receive an official Boston Marathon program, participant t-shirt, medal, and runner's bib.

The B.A.A. 5K scheduled for September 12 has also been canceled due to coronavirus. All participants who were originally registered for the April 18, 2020 event will be offered a refund. More information will be sent to participants.

The 2020 Boston Marathon, originally scheduled for April 20, was postponed to September 14, 2020 by Boston Mayor Martin Walsh due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The B.A.A. has been regularly communicating with city and state officials to discuss all efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus. For the 35th year, John Hancock will serve as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon.

ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.)

Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running.The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and also supports comprehensive charity comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming.The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock. For more information on the B.A.A., please visitwww.baa.org.

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