Kiprotich shows he is a dancing champion too

About kiprotich

Born: 27 February, 1989
Home District: Kapchorwa
Races: 3000m, 5000m, 10,000m, 3000m steeplechase, Cross-country, half marathon and marathon
PERSONAL BEST TIMES - YEAR
3000m: 7:48.06 (2007)
3000m steeplechase: 8:36.2 (2008)
5000m: 13:23:70 (2008)
10,000m: 28:00.98 (2008)
Marathon: 2:07:12 (2011)

Olympics. Kiprotich ensured that Uganda’s anthem was finally sang after 40 years. Weary after enduring the longest day in his life, Stephen Kiprotich showed unique dancing strokes as he partied the night away with joy-filled Ugandans.
The 2012 marathon champion, Uganda’s first Olympic gold medalist in 40 years, had paid a courtesy call to north London to meet Ugandans.

At some point, you felt for the 23-year-old. A day after winning the most gruelling athletics event, his new profile effectively denied him sufficient relaxation.
He spent countless hours in London areas of Forest Gate, Seven Sisters, Woodgreen blending with fans. Kiprotich also had to appear on US cable channel CNN for an interview.

The marathoner was visibly exhausted, almost to the point of no return. It told in his eyes. He could barely push himself. But Kiprotich found energy to galvanise a crowd that scarcely needed lifting with a variety of dancing strokes at Nile Bar, a Uganda bar on West Green Road.

When the DJ played Pastor Okudi’s ‘Wipolo’, Kiprotich let loose on the dance floor and was immediately joined by fans.

“It took us 40 years to get here. I’m still in shock,” a one Jonathan Kagoro said. “This man is history itself. These are the true heroes of our country; the ones that have earned their place for us.”

The words Kiprotich muttered most were “Thank you.” He’ll never say “Thank You” as much as he did on Monday. And that is before he arrives in the country today morning for the mother of welcomes.

“I can’t imagine what will happen at Entebbe,” wondered Nana Kagga. Together with her colleagues Samuel Kabuye, Godwin Matovu, Gilbert Kamuntu, Benson Ainebyona, James Opiyo, Pamella Kyomugisha and Johan Kisekulo, they handed Kiprotich an envelope with an unspecified amount of money.

Everywhere he went Kiprotich received gifts in all forms.
Within the fatigue was an immense feeling of privilege and pride for what he did for Ugandans home, in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.Never before had an incident united them so much.

At Uganda House, people started flocking the embassy as early as 9am on Monday morning. This was perhaps their only chance to see and physically thank their hero. They weren’t going to miss the opportunity even if it meant not reporting to work. Kiprotich arrived 13 hours later to find one of the largest gatherings of Ugandans at the embassy. Some had left, but the majority soldiered on in patience.

On arrival, he was showered with more presents before he took photos and signed autographs with Ugandans from all walks of life. Earlier, Uganda-born pastor GMK Elly of Kingdom Love Ministries led prayers to thank God for Kiprotich’s historic triumph.

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UGANDA’s PAST MEDAL WINNERS
1996 Atlanta
Davis Kamoga
(Bronze) – 400m
1980 Moscow
John ‘the Beast’ Mugabi (Silver) Welterweight Boxing
1972 Munich
John Akii-Bua (Gold) 400m hurdles
Leo Rwabogo (Silver) Flyweight boxing
1968 Mexico City
Eridadi Mukwanga (Silver) Bantamweight boxing
Leo Rwabogo (Bronze) Flyweight boxing