Athletics Kenya (AK) condoles with the family, friends and colleagues of renowned coach Peninah Talam who passed away on Friday. Talam was a longtime coach, specifically with the National Police Service (NPS), before she retired two years ago.
An athlete at heart, she started out her career as a specialist in the 800m in the 1980s as well as early 90s. Thereafter, majorly based in Nakuru, she ventured into coaching where she identified and nurtured many young talents into world class athletes.
In 2004, she made history as the first ever female coach to tutor a male team when she led Team Kenya at the World Cross Country Championships in Brussels, Belgium. In 2016, she was the chaperone for Team Kenya at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Until her demise; she was one of Athletics Kenya Trustee for the Athletes Endowment Fund.
Throughout the positions, she conducted her responsibilities with passion, diligence and selflessness. Her contributions to the sport will always be remembered; and her qualities as a coach will forever be an example to many more who will take up the mantle after her.
May the Good Lord rest her soul in eternal peace; May He grant strength to all her loved ones as they steer through this trying period in their lives.
