Soya Awards 2021: Kipyegon Crowned Sportswoman of The Year as Omanyala Floors Kipchoge

Soya Awards 2021: Kipyegon Crowned Sportswoman of The Year as Omanyala Floors Kipchoge

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:54 PM
  • Ferdinand Omanyala and Faith Kipyegon were among sportspersons who were feted at the 2021 Soya Awards
  • Kipyegon picked the sportswoman of the year ahead of Peres Jepchirchir, with Omanyala stunning Eliud Kipchoge
  • Other winners at the awards ceremony hosted at Bukungu Stadium include Charles Okere who was named the coach of the year

Sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala and Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon were among the top winners for the 2021 Soya Awards.

Faith Kipyegon. Photo: Getty Images.
Faith Kipyegon enjoyed a scintillating 2021 as she won gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo: Getty Images.
Source: Getty Images

Both athletes enjoyed a sensational 2021 in their respective disciplines, with Kipyegon successfully defending her Tokyo Olympic crown.

On his part, Omanyala shot to fame during the year under review, breaking the African 100m record and reaching the semifinals of the Olympics.

Following his exploits, Omanyala was named the 2021 SOYA Sportsman of the year in a glamorous gala event hosted at the Bukhungu Stadium on Tuesday evening, January 25.

He stunned marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge and Emmanuel Korir who won gold at the Olympics to pick the prestigious award.

Kipyegon, meanwhile, was crowned the sportswoman of the year ahead of Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir and Brigid Kosgei.

Other notable winners at the ceremony were Charles Okere who was named the coach of the year, with the rugby team, Shujaa, being named the team of the year ahead of Tusker FC.

Here are all the 2021 Soya Awards:

Hall of Fame 2021 - Esther Ouna

2021 Sportsman of the Year - FERDINAND OMANYALA

2021 Sportswoman of the Year is FAITH KIPYEGON

2021 Most Promising Boy - Heristone Wanyonyi (Walk U20 Champion)

2021 Most Promising Girl - Teresia Muthoni (Athletics)

2021 Coach of the Year - Charlse Okere (Harambee Starlets)

2021 Sports Team of the Year Women - Vihiga Queens (Football)

2021 Sports Team of the Year Men - Kenya Sevens (Rugby)

2021 Sportswoman Living with a Disability - Nancy Chelangat (Paralympian)

2021 Sportsman Living with a Disability - Simon Kibai (Deaflympian)

Omanyala lands Adidas deal

Earlier, Sports Brief reported 100m African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala has signed a sponsorship deal with global sports brand Adidas.

Omanyala disclosed the company would now cater for his travels and accommodation.

The athlete, who was struggling for deals before his big break in 2021, will also receive bonuses on gold medals won and any records broken.

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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.
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