In Oregon, USA

Kenyan student-athletes studying in the United States made history at the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Championships, held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, by bagging six titles in a dominant display of talent and determination.

The four-day event, which concluded on Saturday night, brought together top athletes from universities across the US, competing in what is widely regarded as one of the most competitive collegiate athletics events globally. Among them, Kenyans emerged as a standout force, with first-time victories and record-breaking performances.

On the final day of the championships, Winny Bii of Texas A&M University etched her name in history by becoming the first Kenyan ever to win the women’s triple jump title, leaping 13.96m.

The 21-year-old, who is also the African Games bronze medallist, is pursuing a degree in Business Sports Management. In an interview, Bii said her ultimate goal is to qualify for the World Athletics Championships set for September in Tokyo, where the qualifying mark is 14.55m.

“I’m so glad to have made history here today because no Kenyan athlete has come this far to become NCAA champion, and I want to thank my coach Mario Sategna who has been guiding me gradually since I joined the institution last year,” said Bii, the national record holder with a personal best of 14.01m.

Bii noted her significant progress since joining the university — from jumping 12.70m to 14.01m — and credited the improvement to quality coaching, excellent facilities, and a conducive training environment.

“We have very good facilities at the university and that is why many of us managed to do well. If we continue with such competitions, we are going to take the sport to another level because our coaches want the best from us both in class and in our athletics career,” she said.

“My long-term plan is to make Kenya proud by representing the country at the world stage as I eye the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.”

Meanwhile, Pamela Kosgei of the University of New Mexico completed a rare double, winning both the 5,000m and 10,000m titles on back-to-back days.

Doris Lemngole, representing the University of Alabama, defended her 3,000m steeplechase title, breaking her meet and collegiate record with a time of 8:58.15, also her new personal best.

She finished ahead of Lexy Halladay (Brigham Young University) and Angelina Napoleon (North Carolina State University), who clocked 9:16.66 for third place.

Other notable Kenyan finishers included Deborah Cherono (Texas A&M, 5th – 9:32.10) and Leah Jeruto (Oklahoma University, 8th – 9:38.94), both setting new personal bests.

Lemngole, a second-year Sports Science student from West Pokot, expressed joy after unexpectedly breaking the 9-minute barrier.

“I felt strong and I was prepared for the race. My target was to improve on my personal best, but running sub-9 minutes came as a surprise. That shows there are good things ahead if I continue training the way I have been doing,” said Lemngole.

“My coach Nick Stenuf has been preparing me to conquer this race and I’m glad that I have been progressing well. I believe in the future I will be able to bring victory home at the World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games.”

During the first day of the competition last Wednesday, Ishmael Kipkurui, also from the University of New Mexico, kicked off Kenya’s medal haul by winning the men’s 10,000m title. His college mate Kosgei followed with the women’s 10,000m victory, completing a memorable double for their university.

Kosgei is expected to return to Kenya to compete in the 3,000m steeplechase at the national trials, where she hopes to earn a spot on the team for the upcoming World Athletics Championships.

The success of these athletes is part of a broader effort by Townhall Athletics, which has sent more than 130 Kenyan students to US institutions under full scholarships over the last two years.

The programme enables young talents to balance academics and athletics while working toward a brighter future.