“Looks Like the Tanzanian Election”: Larry Madowo Reacts to Kipyegon’s World Athletics Snub

Journalist Larry Madowo has sparked debate online after comparing the recently released list of World Athlete of the Year finalists to the upcoming Tanzanian election.

The remark came after Kenyan middle-distance runner Faith Kipyegon and long-distance star Beatrice Chebet were both left out of the shortlist, a decision that has drawn widespread criticism from fans and sports analysts.

The World Athletics organization announced the finalists earlier this week, featuring ten athletes from various disciplines.

However, the absence of Kipyegon — who broke multiple world records in 2024 — and Chebet — a dominant figure in cross-country and track events — raised questions among athletics enthusiasts.

Madowo, reacting to the announcement on social media, posted a statement suggesting that the outcome felt as unexpected as “a Tanzanian election,” implying that the results appeared predetermined or lacking transparency.

His comment quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions from followers across East Africa.

Fans and Analysts Question the Selection Process

The omission of the two Kenyan athletes has been widely discussed within the athletics community.

Kipyegon’s record-breaking performances in the 1500m, mile, and 5000m earlier in the year had positioned her as a leading contender for the global title.

Similarly, Chebet’s consistency on the track and in international competitions had made her one of the most decorated athletes of the season.

Fans took to various platforms to express disappointment, with many arguing that Kenyan athletes had once again been overlooked despite exceptional achievements.

Sports analysts also questioned the criteria used to determine the finalists, calling for more transparency from the global athletics body.

Social Media Response and Broader Reactions

Following Madowo’s comparison, online discussions expanded beyond athletics to broader debates about fairness in international recognition.

Some users agreed with the journalist’s sentiment, noting that East African athletes often face stiff competition for global awards despite outstanding record.

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Others cautioned against drawing political parallels, suggesting that his statement could be misinterpreted. Despite the controversy, both Kipyegon and Chebet have not publicly commented on the matter.

Kenyan athletics officials have, however, expressed pride in the athletes’ achievements, emphasizing that recognition goes beyond awards and titles.