Beatrice Chebet named Sports Personality for December

By Peter Ochieng

Beatrice Chebet is the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) and LG Sports Personality of the month of December, 2023.

The 23-year-old Chebet is the World Cross Country champion and World 5km champion.

She was awarded an LG washing machine worth over Sh100,000. She got 7 votes to beat tennis sensation Angela Okutoyi by just a vote.

Okutoyi was nominated following a stellar performance at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Women’s World Tennis Tour (W25) at the Nairobi Club, where she won both the singles and doubles titles.

National U18 football team, Juniors Stars’ midfielder Aldrine Kibet managed three votes, which turned out to be the same number of goals he scored as the side reached the final of the Cecafa U-18 Championships at Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, where they lost 2-1 to Uganda, in December.

Basketball player Natalie Akinyi got two votes.

This is Chebet’s second third SJAK award. She said at this rate, she may not need to buy anything in her house.

“I’m very excited for winning my third Sports Personality of the month award and I want to thank LG and SJAK for recognising my efforts. I have already won three products from these awards and I think at this rate I have realised that if I continue winning my races and setting new records I may not have to do shopping in my house. I will just be performing on the track and winning these sports awards,” she said.

“This is a very busy year for athletes. I want to start my season by defending my World Cross Country Championships title and also want to win the 5,000m Olympics gold medal and God willing also break the world record in the race.”

SJAK president James Waindi lauded Chebet for her achievements, and urged her to strive to win more accolades in 2024.

“Chebet’s record-breaking 5km victory in Barcelona on the last day of 2023 was the highlight of the year. Her journey to glory has been one of determination, dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence."

Waindi said her record-breaking performances not only showcases her incredible talent, but also serves as an inspiration to budding athletes around the world.