Life on the equator means we are tropical beings – used to enjoying warm weather and for a few weeks mid-year temperatures drop down, but rarely below double digits. If you’ve been to the peak of Mount Kenya or had time to explore winter-prone countries, then you know that below zero baridi is no joke and that it’s completely unfamiliar territory.
Kenya’s success has been evident at the Summer Olympics but we’re now exploring new territory as Kenyan athletes represent us at the winter Games. Philip Boit and Henry Bitok pioneered this movement in 1998. Leaving Nairobi for Finland two years before, Boit and Bitok were welcomed by minimal temperatures that would have toenails falling off. Nonetheless they made the most of their time abroad by venturing into winter sports. With no native ski federation, the pair took it upon themselves to train for the cross-country event. Their advantage? High altitude training in the magnificent Kenyan highlands.
After their participation in the Winter Olympics as cross-country skiers, Boit maintained his activity in various winter sports while Bitok retired from skiing.
The beginning of this year brought forth joy as 19-year-old Sabrina Wanjiku Simander brought Kenya back to the Winter Olympics when she qualified in Alpine Skiing. Her journey was more favorable than that of the two athletes before her but she still looked at the progress of her countrymen as inspiration.
Moving to Austria when she was younger helped Sabrina discover a number of things including Alpine Skiing – a sport that seemed easy from afar but that Sabrina learnt was no walk in the park. Going downhill on snow-covered paths requires fitness and consistent training. Armed with ski poles, Sabrina soon began excelling at the sport and enjoyed the thrill it gave her.
Competing against athletes who started training in the snow long before she did was going to be a challenge yet Sabrina remained confident through both her rounds down the course. Although she didn’t attain a medal, her presence was an inspiration to many young Kenyans open to breaking new boundaries.
We applaud Sabrina, Philip and Henry Bitok for lifting the Kenyan flag in new places and showing that summer, winter, spring or fall our Wachezaji spirit never fails us!
#KeWachezaji #OurFlagBearers