Olympic silver medalist Ferguson Rotich, was on Wednesday, August 11 awarded with a top government job for his stunning performance in Tokyo Japan.
Rotich, who won a silver medal in the 800m race, was appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for the fight against Drugs and Substance abuse by the County Government of Kericho.
Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony announced his appointment on when he met the Olympic hero at his office.
The appointment of the 31-year-old athlete came after he visited Governor Chepkwony following his famous show at the Olympics where he helped Kenya dominate the medal standings in Africa with 10 medals (4 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze).
The middle-distance runner had emerged with a personal best of 1:42.54. He also represented the country at the 2013 World Championships and was a gold medallist in the 4×800 meters relay at the 2014 IAAF World Championships.
“The 2020 Tokyo Olympic 800m silver medalist, Ferguson Rotich appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the fight against Drugs and Substance abuse in Kericho County. Governor Paul Chepkwony made the appointment after receiving the athlete in his office today,” Kericho County wrote on their social media page.
His appointment comes amid uproar from Kenyans over the reception of the athletes at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday, August 10.
The Ministry of Sports had failed to accord the athletes a king’s welcome for having dominated the continent in the games and emerging 19th overall.
The uproar came after Olympic marathon champion and World Record Holder, Eliud Kipchoge, flew into the country only to be received by family members and friends at the airport. Kipchoge stormed the race on Sunday, August 8 to retain his Olympic title.
Meanwhile, in Uganda, businesses were disrupted to welcome the athletes and team officials from the moment they disembarked from the plane at Entebbe International Airport. Government officials, family members, officials from various sports associations, and federations all waited to receive their heroes and heroines who provided upsets in the athletics section of the games, including the 3000m steeplechase.
Soon after their arrival, the Ugandan athletes were driven around the city in celebrations.
The athletes were treated to a luncheon on Wednesday, August 11, by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
