Stephen Kiprotich is still reaping from his marathon triumph on the last day of the London Olympics. The 23-year-old’s heroic performance that earned Uganda her only second Olympic gold medal was duly recognized by textile company Picfare Industries. Kiprotich, alongside his wife received Shs5m from the company in acknowledgement of his feat that gave the country her seventh Olympic medal in history since Rome 1956.
“This is just a small token to thank our golden boy Kiprotich,” Jimmy Mutesasira, head of Marketing said at their head offices on Uganda House building. “But we are not stopping here. We will stimulate competition by funding tournaments in schools especially in the Elgon area from where Kiprotich hails.” Kiprotich, who won the 42.195km race in 2.08.01, and his family, will receive clothing and scholastic materials for the next five years from Picfare.
In company with his manager Godfrey Nuwagaba, Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) treasurer, the enchanted runner declined to comment. His win over favourites Kenyans Abel Kirui and Wilson Kipsang ended Uganda’s 16-year medal haul at the quadrennial games with the last having been Davis Kamoga’s bronze in Atlanta, USA.
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