COVID Restrictions Hampered Kenya's Olympic Performance, Team Officials Say

NAIROBI, KENYA - Kenya’s Olympic team won 10 medals at the Tokyo Games, the most of any African nation.  However, Kenyan officials say the medal count could have been even higher if not for the training restrictions brought on by COVID-19. 

As in past years, Kenya dominated the long-distance running competitions, winning gold in the 800 and 1500 meters and men’s and women’s marathons. Emmanuel Korir, who won the 800 meters gold for Kenya, told VOA he was happy with his performance. “To be honest, I am so happy. We didn’t get time to train well. I don’t want to complain. It affected everyone, so we were all equal. Everything was fine. The only problem was there were no spectators, but at least we did it,” Korir said.