Double World Masters champion Rosaline David believes Team Kenya’s performance at the 2024 edition of the championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, should act as a beacon of motivation for the country's young athletes.
Rosaline delivered stellar performances, clinching gold in the 5000m W45 in a season's best of 16:56.79 and the women's 10km road race, where she set a course record of 35:08.
Team Kenya bagged 26 medals (seven gold, 10 silver and nine bronze) ranking 21st globally and second in Africa behind 14th-placed South Africa — who had 27 medals (13 gold, seven silver and seven bronze).
Rosaline is convinced the team's success is a testament to the enduring power of experience, which she hopes will inspire the upcoming and established athletes.
"We want to show the younger athletes that we still have the energy and determination to compete at a high level," she said.
However, Rosaline acknowledged the intense competition they encountered in Sweden.
"The competition was fierce. Even in the Masters category, the athletes we faced ran like they were in their prime. We need to push ourselves harder to stay ahead of the competition," she noted.
Rosaline was grateful to the fans who welcomed the team at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday night.
"The reception was heartwarming. We're delighted to be back, safely," she said.
Athletics Kenya Masters secretary general Rose Tata emphasised the team's commitment and effort in Sweden.
"We deeply appreciate everyone who came to welcome us. The competition was tough but our athletes gave their all, securing seven gold, 10 silver and eight bronze medals," Tata said.
She thanked the government and the federation (Athletics Kenya) for supporting the masters' team's exploits in Sweden.
“We thank the government (through the) Ministry of Sports and the federation for the support they gave us,” she noted.
Two-time Olympic silver medallist Catherine Ndereba urged all athletes to compete clean.
"My message to both Masters and elite athletes is to continue competing clean — without resorting to performance-enhancing drugs," Ndereba said.
She echoed Tata’s sentiments on the importance of support from the government and federation.
“Without the support from the government, we would not have produced these results,” Ndereba said.
