United States-based Winnie Bii is over the moon after bagging a silver medal in the women’s triple jump at the African Games at Ghana University Stadium in Accra.
Bii hopped 13.64 metres to finish behind Nigeria’s Ruth Usoro, who had 13.80m. Senegalese Sarr completed the podium with 13.60m.
Bii said winning a medal for Kenya has been a lifetime dream and is happy that it has come to pass.
“Winning a medal for Kenya at the African Games is a dream come true. I have always wanted to compete for Kenya in field events and I am happy this came to pass too,” she said.
As much as the weather was too unforgiving, she ignored it and focused on the competition.
“My focus was the competition and my competitors. I am happy I succeeded,” Bii added.
She will return to the United States and continue for the Kenyan Olympic trials. “The Olympic Games are my next target if I can get the qualifying distance,” she added.
The qualifying mark is 14.52m but Bii is not under pressure. “I am not in a hurry, just a day at a time. Triple jump is my passion and I want to pursue it seriously.
She is unsure about featuring in the Kip Keino Classic on April 20, but if granted an opportunity she may take it.
“We are starting the outdoor season back in the USA and I guess this will keep us busy,” she noted.
Asked why she took an interest in the triple jump and not the usual track races, she responded: “I wanted to be different.”
All the field athletes need are coaches to motivate upcoming athletes.
At the African Games, Usoro and Sarr were no pushovers and Bii had to fight for the silver medal.
“I knew Usoro was a tough competitor but she did not jump well so I capitalised on the situation to keep pushing and I am happy the silver came on the final jump,” she noted.
The presence of Kenyan fans, led by 2015 world javelin champion and 2016 Olympic silver medallist Julius Yego, boosted her morale.
“I was glad to see Yego cheer me up and tell me how the competition was progressing; whether I am slow or on point,” she added. “I was already in the medal bracket heading to the last jump and so I had nothing to lose. I am so grateful to the Lord Almighty.”
