•Social media has been alight with calls for a restructuring of the sports industry
•Various quarters have attempted to shift blame onto one another for the poor performance by Team Kenya in Tokyo
•Criticism is one of the occupational hazards of a sportsperson; take it as it comes and introspect on it
Image: REUTERS
After clinching Kenya's second bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in the women's 3000m steeplechase, Hyvin Kiyeng pleaded with her countrymen and women back home to be more understanding and tolerant despite Team Kenya's underwhelming performances so far.
Likewise, 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist in javelin, Julius Yego, said critics of Team Kenya's performance need to understand the intensity of the competition at an international platform, such as the Olympics.
Social media has been alight — ever since boxer Nick Okoth lost his round of 32 bout on the second day of the games —with calls for a restructuring of the sports industry.
As of today, Kenya are sitting 38th on the medal standings courtesy of one gold, two silver and two bronze.
Whereas all these back-and-forth missiles are a natural part of the grieving process — as far as our dismal performances in Tokyo go — we should be careful not to end up in a cycle of blame shifting while ignoring the need for a honest conversation on the way forward.
In the run-up to Tokyo, everyone and especially government played their part to ensure Team Kenya harvest as many medals as possible.
Much as they have their weaknesses — and which government doesn't? — the government via the Ministry of Sports and Olympics Kenya did their best to ensure all prospective Olympians were well prepared despite the prevailing coronavirus pandemic.
All sportspersons were accommodated in a bubble training camp at Moi Stadium, Kasarani to enable them focus on their preparations without worrying about a Covid-19 infection.
Those stationed outside the capital received resources to facilitate their preparations, including a stipend to cater for their basic needs, such as food, shelter and clothing. Allowances were paid upfront and all athletes received their kit on time.
A vigorous vaccination campaign by the ministry ensured most of Kenyan sportspersons had received the first and second dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
The respective federations also played their part: ensuring sportspersons get as much exposure as possible at the international level to sharpen their skills and physical conditions before the competition proper.
All these were funded by taxpayers money many of who are now baring their frustrations in the public sphere.
The fact that the games were postponed for a year due to the pandemic should have also been a blessing in disguise by virtue of having more time to prepare.
To our representatives in Tokyo, criticism is one of the occupational hazards of a sportsperson; take it as it comes and introspect on it.
Noteworthy, Team Kenya are not the only ones to become a punching bag for their frustrated citizenry. The United States' sprints team has encountered a barrage of criticisms after their poor showing at the games.
Sprints legend Carl Lewis captured the mood of the nation when he scathingly described the 4x100m relay team as an embarrassment to the nation.
As Tanzanian gospel singer Bahati Bukuku said, "Mti uliozaa matunda lazima urushiwe mawe." (It is only a tree that bears fruit that will be targeted for lynching).
Granted, our sportspersons have in the past brought us so much pride and joy, thanks to their exploits on the international stage. Therefore, it is only natural for Kenyans to expect them to maintain such levels of performances and grumble when these expectations are unmet.
Rather than resort to retorting, use these stones thrown at you to rebuild a solid foundation for the country to bounce back as a sporting powerhouse.