Nairobi: Julius Kirwa, Team Kenya's Head Coach at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, has been recognized as the Betika/SJAK (Sports Journalist Association of Kenya) Coach of the Month for September. This accolade follows his successful leadership in guiding Team Kenya to a record-breaking medal haul at the championships.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kirwa's strategic leadership led Team Kenya to secure a total of 11 medals, comprising seven gold, two silver, and two bronze, during the nine-day event. Upon receiving the award at Riatha House in Nairobi, Kirwa expressed his gratitude towards the organizers and emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in promoting sports excellence.
The championships saw Beatrice Chebet win Kenya's first gold in the women's 10,000m, followed by another gold in the women's 5000m, contributing significantly to the team's success. Peres Jepchirchir clinched gold in the women's marathon, while Faith Kipyegon added another gold in the women's 1500m. Other medalists included Dorcus Ewoi and Reynold Cheruiyot, who won silver and bronze in the 1500m events, respectively, and Faith Cherotich, who secured gold in the women's 3000m steeplechase. Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Lilian Odira both achieved gold in the 800m races.
SJAK President James Waindi highlighted the growing competitiveness in Kenyan sports, noting that Kirwa's achievement came amid stiff competition from other coaches. Betika Marketing Executive Marya Wachira remarked on the improvement from the 2023 Championships in Budapest and highlighted the role of the Coach of the Month award in recognizing leadership excellence.