Nyamira youngster Kebaya keen to represent Kenya globally in gymnastic
Leonah Kebaya has a dream of following in the footsteps of world best gymnasts Simone Biles, when she grows up.
Coming from Nyamira County, where if one showcases such talent in public, he or she will most likely be associated with sorcery and witchcraft, Leonah’s mother Rose Kwamboka is urging people to embrace talent and stop discouraging such isolated gems.
“Initially, she used to get weird looks and people were talking in low tones whenever they saw my daughter make certain moves with her flexible body. To them, it was very strange. But with time, they have come to accept it,”Kwamboka said.
Perhaps too young to mind her detractors, Leonah has remained focused and is optimistic that through her unique talent, she will one day board a flight to the United States of America to meet her role model, Biles who last October won her 25th gold medal at the word championships.
For the eight-year-old Grade Three pupil at Manga Hillway Complex, in Nyamira county, the future is bright. She has been downloading vides of Biles and believes her skills keep improving.
“I know there is vast talent in fringe sports apart from the major sporting disciplines like football and athletics. If I train well and work hard, I know I will be able to board a plane and represent the country in global events,”she said.
She added: “I want to make good use of my talent and inspire many children to take sports seriously. I have already started sensitisation campaigns at my school and village.”
While the young contortionist hopes to nurture her talents and represent Kenya at the highest level, she is keen on her studies too with her dream being to become a medical doctor.
“This sport is a passion and I enjoying it. I am keeping people entertained and happy, besides that, I also want to take my studies seriously to excel in education and one day become a doctor and heal the sick,” she asserted.
Her exploits recently attracted the attention of Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed who hailed her as extremely talented, when she performed during one of the public holidays in Kisii County.
