Naenkop breaking cultural barriers in quest for steeplechase glory
Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 19.04.24. | 13:02
Naenkop started running in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a way to combat boredom.
17-year-old Ann Naenkop from Narok County is defying all odds as she hopes to fly the country’s flag high in the steeplechase discipline.
The Maasai lady studies at Kiambogo Secondary School in Naivasha, Nakuru County, where she hones her skills under the close watch of coach Peter Ndegwa Nyambura.
Her determination saw her grace three national Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) steeplechase races. This year, she finally broke the jinx to claim the top position in her field. The KSSSA games ended on Saturday, the 13th, in Machakos County. Athletics took place at the Machakos Stadium.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the youngster noted that claiming the top position was not in her wildest dreams. She came in second during the regional games, where Mercy Chepng’eno from Lesirwo Day Secondary School claimed the top honors.
She admired Chepng’eno’s prowess so much at a young age that she could not imagine defeating her on the national stage.
“It was a good feeling. I did not expect to win because, at the regional stage, I came in second place. I could not imagine defeating Mercy because she challenged me during the regionals and came in at position one. But I did my best, and I believed I could do it. It became real when I saw the finish line,” she offered.
Naenkop started running in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a way to combat boredom. Initially, her mother, Jane Kesikari was hesitant, concerned about the potential risks and challenges her daughter might face.
However, as she witnessed the determination and passion burning within her child, she couldn't help but support her newfound interest.
She then went to high school, where she met her coach, Ndegwa, who sharpened her skills further.
“I thank my coach for nurturing my talent. He helped me go professional,” she said.
Despite steeplechase not progressing to the East African Games, Naenkop found solace and pride in her performance, noting that she aims to represent the country just like her role model, Faith Kipyegon.
“I used to watch great athletes like Faith Kipyegon train, and I wanted to be like them. That is why I started running and decided to venture fully into steeplechase,” she offered.
We chatted shortly with her coach, Ndegwa who showered praise on her. Ndegwa noted that Naenkop was a disciplined athlete who could achieve whatever she wanted in life.
“She is very disciplined and comes for training. She started at a young age in primary, and she has been doing great,” he said.
Ndegwa also called on coaches, sponsors, and international brands to scout talents at the grassroots level. He was convinced that ‘mashinani’ was the breeding ground for talents in the country.
“During the races, they are lied to by others. I am calling on sponsors and brands to tap the talents from the basic level and understand the athletes from a tender age,” he concluded.
