• ATHLETICS

• Frank Rotich 1 day ago

‎Kenya’s Doris Lemngole wins top NCAA Award after brilliant season

Kenyan long-distance runner Doris Lemngole has been crowned the best college athlete in the United States after winning the 2025 Bowerman Award, following a stunning and record-breaking season in NCAA athletics.

‎‎Lemngole, who competes for the University of Alabama, was on Thursday night named the winner of the 2025 Bowerman Award, the highest individual honour in college track and field and cross country.

‎‎The award caps an outstanding year for the Kenyan, who dominated across cross country, indoor track and outdoor track events.

Lemngole won three NCAA titles in one season, underlining her consistency and class at the highest college level.

‎‎Her biggest moment came at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships, where she set a new collegiate record in the 3000m steeplechase, clocking an impressive 8 minutes 58.15 seconds. The time made her the fastest college steeplechase runner in history.

‎‎Lemngole also defended her NCAA cross country title in Columbia, Missouri, showing her strength across different distances and conditions. Throughout the season, she remained unbeaten in collegiate steeplechase races.

‎‎Her remarkable campaign included personal best times in several events, including the 1500m, 3000m, 5000m and the 6km cross country race, placing her among the best runners in NCAA history.

‎‎Speaking after receiving the award, Lemngole thanked her coaches, teammates and family for their support. She said running has shaped her life, teaching her patience, resilience and confidence, and described representing the University of Alabama as a great honour.

‎‎The Bowerman Award crowns a landmark year for the Kenyan star, who also secured a major Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal earlier in the year.

‎‎Doris Lemngole’s success is another proud moment for Kenyan athletics and a strong sign of even greater achievements ahead on the global stage.