Former world under 20 3,0000m steeplechase champion Amos Kirui has been named the StarTimes cum Aports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Sports Personality of the Month of February.
Kirui picked up the award on Tuesday after winning the senior men’s 10 K
Kirui posted 29:51 minutes edging out Evans Keitany to second place who registered 29:58minutes with Rodgers Kwemoi taking the final podium position in 30:00 minutes.
The Steeplechase specialist beat Ivory Coast rally winner Manvir Baryan and World 5000 metre champion Helen Obiri to the coveted award.
Following his victory, Kirui took home a personalized trophy, a 42-inch StarTimes Digital TV and Ksh. 100,000 prize money.
Kirui joins the growing list of athletes who have won the award alongside Fatuma Zarika, Eliud Kipchoge, Mary Keitany, Wycliffe Kinyamal, Hellen Obiri, chess player Sasha Mongeli, swimmer Maria Brunhelner,Rally driver Manvir Baryan, Beatrice Chepkoech and boxer Judy Waguthi among others.
Speaking during the award ceremony, StarTimes Director of Marketing and PR Mr. Japheth Akhulia said, “Kirui becomes the 20th winner of the StarTimes award since its inception in 2017, we are committed to continuing with this journey in recognizing outstanding performances by our sportsmen and women while challenging others out there to work even harder as we will continue being on the lookout of the best performers and awarding the same.”
Kirui was delighted and appreciated the sponsors for the award which he said will go a long way towards his conquest for more honours in the upcoming track season.
“I’m happy to be awarded the best sports personality in February, winning the nationals was not easy beating a very good field that included Kamworor was tough. This is good motivation as I prepare for the track season and World championships later in the year.” he said.