Home Special Features THE UNSUNG OLYMPIC WINNER LIVING WITH DISABILITY

THE UNSUNG OLYMPIC WINNER LIVING WITH DISABILITY

by FRANK MACHARIA
Olympic champion Faith Nyagaki

Kenya is a land of talents but despite such people putting the country on world map, some go unrecognized.

One such case is a 17-year-old Olympic swimming champion Faith Nyagaki from Nyeri county who was the 2019 World Olympics champion in the swimming category.

Though she put Kenya on global map, she has not been celebrated by the national government and sports bodies.

Nyagaki bagged a gold and two silver medals in swimming during The World Special Olympics held in Dubai last year.

The Special Olympics she participated in is a multi-sport event for people with disabilities.

However, when she came back to Kenya, only Nyeri County recognised her achievements with a certificate during the Mashujaa Day.

She is a student at Kenya Community Centre, school for learners with special needs.

In the contest she defeated hundreds of participants from 200 countries to bag gold in 50m breaststroke and two silver medals in 4x25m freestyle mixed relay.

While applauding her, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga likened Nyagaki to the county’s heroes and heroines like late Prof Wangari Maathai, Freedom Fighter Dedan Kimathi, marathoner Catherine Ndereba, former President Mwai Kibaki.

The daughter of a Major Patrick Gichohi was diagnosed with Septicemia. She was on medication for 10 years.

She walked at four years and spoke at seven years and has schooled in 10 different schools but she is a golfer, guitarist, pianist and a Taekwondo performer.

Nyagaki with Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga

You may also like

Leave a Reply

About Us

Justice Today Kenya is the premier source of news, commentary, and analysis the goings-on in the legal corridors in Kenya. It delivers news on court judgments, upcoming cases, current hearings, scholarly perspectives, practical insights, updates, and more, as well as news and features that touch on justice.

error: Content is protected !!