Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenyan equestrian athlete Muthoni Kimani believes her win at the FEI Against All Odds Awards Gala in Durban, South Africa will serve as inspiration as she seeks to represent the country at the Olympic Games.
Muthoni became the youngest African female and only Kenyan to win the prestigious equestrian award.
“So now I am on this journey where I can really see it and I believe it will happen (competing at the Olympics),” Muthoni said.
“I’ll just keep going. I’m here to inspire people everywhere. Just keep believing in yourself and never give up. Anything and everything is possible.”
Among those who congratulated the young rider is Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba, saying: “Congratulations on your win and for branding Kenya on the world stage. Your win is indeed an inspiration to budding equestrian athletes in our country.”
Namwamba also urged her to play a role in popularising the sport among Kenyan youths.
“We now wish to see you opening up the equestrian space for other Kenyans to come in and partake in this sport,” added Namwamba.
The award is given each year to someone who has pursed their equestrian ambitions despite a physical handicap or extremely difficult personal challenges.
Muthoni was hit by a car while riding her pony at the age of eight which took her months to overcome the trauma. At 15, she went through another accident while riding.
She later became the first young African to join the Cavalleria Toscana Academy in Italy.
The winners were decided by combining 50 per cent of the public votes cast on FEI.org and 50 per cent of the judges’ votes.
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