When did things start to go wrong? After hearing the sad story of a long-distance Kenyan female athlete who was recognized for her speed and agility on the field, winning a number of medals during her time, and now picking tea in Cherangany, Transnzoia County, Kenyans online have started asking themselves this question.
For nearly two decades, Delilah Asiago was a dominant force in the sport of long distance running as one of the world’s best runners.
The Bay to Breakers event, in which she set a world record over 12 kilometers, the All Africa Games, and the World Championships were just some of the places she brought home gold medals. She was honored by Running Times as their 1995 Road Racer of the Year.
The Dubai Marathon she ran in revealed she received a total of $30 million in prize money, including $20 million for setting a new world record and $10 million for setting a personal best.
Doping allegations led to a two-year suspension for her in 1999, which was the beginning of her problems. Her defense is that she was sick and needed the medicine, which it turned out to be. She made futile attempts to recapture her former fame years afterwards.
She put some of her winnings into investments and used the rest to build a home in Nakuru for her parents. The rest of the cash, which she has no record of.
She pleaded with the government to provide assistance in the form of tax breaks to athletes, and she urged current athletes to put money aside for retirement.
Kenyans online have had a range of reactions, some of which are included below.
