Prominent Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo has stirred widespread debate after reacting to the exclusion of athletes Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet from the World Athlete of the Year shortlist. In a viral post, Madowo compared the announcement to “a Tanzanian election,” a politically charged analogy that quickly ignited controversy online.
World Athletics Faces Backlash Over Athlete Shortlist
The World Athletics organization recently announced the top ten finalists for the 2025 World Athlete of the Year award, featuring global elite competitors across various track and field events. However, the omission of Kipyegon and Chebet — two of Kenya’s most accomplished athletes — drew immediate backlash from fans, journalists, and sports analysts.
Kipyegon, a two-time Olympic champion and multiple world record holder, dominated headlines in 2024 after breaking records in the 1500m, mile, and 5000m categories. Chebet also delivered exceptional performances throughout the season, excelling in cross-country and long-distance track events. Their exclusion from the shortlist has left many questioning the transparency and fairness of the selection process.
Madowo’s Viral Reaction
Madowo’s comparison of the shortlist to “a Tanzanian election” struck a chord with many Kenyans, who interpreted his statement as a critique of biased or predetermined decision-making in international sports recognition. His post quickly went viral, amassing thousands of reactions and sparking an intense debate across social media platforms.
Supporters of Madowo argued that his analogy accurately captured the frustration felt by African fans who believe that athletes from the continent are often overlooked despite their record-breaking achievements. “If Faith Kipyegon breaking three world records doesn’t earn her a nomination, what does?” one social media user asked, echoing the sentiments of many.
Mixed Reactions Online
While some applauded Madowo for boldly calling out perceived injustice, others criticized his choice of words, arguing that political comparisons might overshadow the real issue — the need for greater accountability and fairness in global award systems. Several commentators suggested that reform should be pursued through official advocacy rather than viral outrage.
Sports analysts also weighed in, noting that the selection criteria for major athletics awards remain largely opaque. They emphasized the importance of transparency to ensure that deserving athletes are recognized not just for their wins, but for their contributions to the sport’s global prestige.
Kenyan Federation Responds
Although neither Kipyegon nor Chebet has publicly commented on the matter, officials from Athletics Kenya praised both athletes for their achievements. The federation reiterated that international awards, while prestigious, do not define an athlete’s greatness or legacy. “Faith and Beatrice continue to make Kenya proud on and off the track,” one official said, highlighting their roles as inspirations for upcoming generations of runners.
Calls for Fairness in Global Recognition
The online uproar reflects a broader frustration with what many perceive as systemic bias in international sports institutions. Fans and experts alike are calling for clearer evaluation metrics and more inclusive representation of athletes from developing nations who continue to dominate global competitions.
Madowo’s statement, though controversial, has reignited an important conversation about the credibility of global sporting awards and the ongoing struggle for equality in recognition. For many Kenyans, it served as a reminder that their champions deserve more than applause — they deserve acknowledgment on the world stage.
