By MKT Correspondent
United States President Donald Trump has once again demonstrated his flair for bold statements, this time turning his attention to Kenya’s world-renowned athletics prowess. Speaking in Washington DC on Thursday during the signing of the peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Trump took a moment to acknowledge President William Ruto and express his admiration for the unmatched dominance of Kenyan runners on the global stage. In his characteristic style, Trump declared that he has been a fan of Kenyan athletes for a long time, marveling at their consistency and ability to produce champions year after year. “We have the Olympics here in the USA 2028 in Los Angeles and you (Kenya) are very well in the Olympics, those runners are good, I don’t know what you do with them, they are very good I have been watching them for a long time. The Olympics are coming in the United States and you will come as a guest,” Trump said, drawing smiles from the Kenyan delegation present.
The remarks, though brief, carried weight as they underscored the global recognition Kenya continues to enjoy in athletics. From the high-altitude training camps in Iten and Eldoret to the legendary names that have graced marathon podiums across the world, Kenya’s reputation as the home of endurance running remains unchallenged. Trump’s acknowledgment was not just a diplomatic gesture but a reflection of how deeply Kenyan athletes have penetrated the consciousness of sports fans worldwide. For decades, the likes of Kipchoge Keino, Tegla Loroupe, Paul Tergat, and Eliud Kipchoge have inspired generations, turning Kenya into a symbol of resilience, discipline, and excellence.
The timing of Trump’s remarks is particularly significant as the world looks ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Kenya, which secured four gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will be aiming to surpass that tally and reaffirm its dominance in long-distance running. The country’s athletes are already preparing for the challenge, with younger talents emerging to carry the mantle from established stars. For Kenya, the Olympics are not just about medals but about national pride, unity, and the projection of its identity on the global stage. Trump’s invitation for Kenya to attend as a guest adds a diplomatic flavor to the sporting narrative, signaling a recognition of Kenya’s contribution to the Olympic spirit.
Kenya’s athletics success has often been attributed to a combination of natural talent, rigorous training, and the unique environment of the Rift Valley, where altitude conditions help build stamina and endurance. Yet beyond the science lies a cultural tradition that celebrates running as a way of life. From children racing to school barefoot to communities rallying behind their local champions, athletics in Kenya is more than a sport—it is a national heritage. Trump’s fascination with this phenomenon mirrors the curiosity of many outsiders who wonder how a relatively small nation continues to produce world-beaters with such consistency.
As the countdown to Los Angeles 2028 begins, Kenya’s athletes will carry not only the hopes of their nation but also the admiration of global figures like Trump, who see in them the embodiment of excellence. For Kenya, the challenge is clear: to build on past glory, nurture new talent, and ensure that when the Olympic flame is lit in Los Angeles, the world will once again witness the unstoppable force of Kenyan runners.
John Kariuki