Kenyan Skater Kelvin Kiarie Wins Gold And Silver At International Championship In Benin
Sports Updated: 06 April 2026 10:04 EAT
Kenyan Skater Kiarie Kevin Ruhiu wins two medals at the Cotonou International Skating Championship in Benin.
Kenyan roller freestyle skater Kelvin Kiarie has put the country on the global map after delivering an outstanding performance at the International Skating Championship held in Cotonou, Benin. Competing against top skaters from different parts of the world, Kiarie emerged as one of the standout performers, clinching both gold and silver medals in a remarkable display of skill and determination.
Kiarie secured the gold medal in the freestyle battle category, one of the most competitive and entertaining disciplines in roller skating. The event requires athletes to go head-to-head, showcasing creativity, rhythm, and technical execution under pressure. His routine stood out among the competitors, earning him top marks from judges and the admiration of spectators.
In addition to his gold medal triumph, Kiarie also claimed a silver medal in the classic slalom category, further underlining his versatility as an elite skater. The slalom discipline demands precision, balance, and control as athletes maneuver through a series of cones at speed. His near-flawless execution saw him finish just behind the winner in a tightly contested event.
The championship in Cotonou attracted participants from multiple countries, making it a highly competitive international event. Kiarie’s ability to perform consistently across two distinct disciplines demonstrated not only his technical excellence but also his mental strength in adapting to different formats and competitive environments.
His achievement marks a significant milestone for Kenya, particularly in the growth of roller freestyle skating, a sport that is still gaining traction in the country. Unlike traditional sports such as athletics and football, skating has limited infrastructure and support, making Kiarie’s success even more impressive on the global stage.
Back home, his performance has been widely celebrated by sports enthusiasts and stakeholders, with many hailing it as a breakthrough moment for alternative sports in Kenya. His victory is expected to inspire a new generation of young athletes to take up skating and pursue opportunities beyond mainstream disciplines.
Kiarie’s success also highlights the importance of exposure and international competition in nurturing talent. By competing abroad, he not only tested himself against some of the best in the world but also gained valuable experience that could propel him to even greater heights in future championships.
With this double podium finish, Kiarie has firmly established himself as one of Kenya’s top skating talents. As he looks ahead to more international competitions, his achievement in Benin stands as a powerful statement of Kenya’s growing presence in global skating and a sign of even bigger accomplishments to come.
Tags: Article Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice Football For Life Sports Article Sports Commentary Sports Journalism
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD