Dylan Bettencourt
When the grandson of Kenyan running legend Kipchoge Keino lines up for the triathlon at the Commonwealth Games there will be more than a gold medal at stake.
Joseph Okal is aiming to run in the footsteps of his grandfather at the games in Birmingham, England.
The 20-year-old will also be carrying the hopes of Kenya with him.
“My grandfather inspires me to do great things,” Okal told BBC Sport Africa.
Kipchoge, the legendary African athlete, claimed the gold medal in the 1,500m at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Four years later he won the 3,000m steeplechase gold in Munich, Germany.
Before claiming Olympic gold, Keino broke world records in both the 3,000m and 5,000m in 1965.
With two Olympic silver medals and three Commonwealth gold medals, the 82-year-old taught his grandson a trick or two.
“The biggest lesson he taught me is to think that no matter where you come from, no matter how people may look down upon you, you must just focus on yourself,” Okal said.
“He gave me advice to just give my best no matter what. No matter what happens during the race – just push and push.”
But perhaps Keino’s biggest achievement was becoming the first recipient of the Olympic laurel given to an “outstanding individual for their achievements in education, culture, development and peace through sport”.
Okal said his grandfather was ecstatic to hear that he had qualified for the games.
“I hear he was calling his neighbours telling them ‘My grandson qualified for Commonwealth’,” the youngster said.
Keino will watch his grandson attempt to become the first Kenyan to finish the triathlon event in eight years.
Okal Said: “I want to go and show the world that this side of Africa can also swim, cycle and run. I know I have the potential in me. I have what it takes to become the greatest.”
Image source: @Nanjero_
