Kalenjin is an ethnic group of Nilotic origin living in the Great Rift Valley in western Kenya and eastern Uganda. The Kalenjin population is estimated at roughly 3 million. They are pastoralists and are believed to have migrated to their present location from Sudan 2,000 years ago. The Kalenjin's oral history claims that their ancestors in antiquity were Ancient Egyptians. The Kalenjin have been called by some "the running tribe." Since the mid-1960s, Kenyan men have earned the largest share of major honors in international athletics at distances from 800 meters to the marathon; the vast majority of these Kenyan running stars have been Kalenjin. From 1980 on, about 40% of the top honors available to men in international athletics at these distances (Olympic medals, World Championships medals, and World Cross Country Championships honors) have been earned by Kalenjin. In recent years, Kenyan women have become a major presence in international athletics at the distances; most of these women are also Kalenjin. It was speculated that the Kalenjin may possess some unique genetic predispositions for running; it seems that their running success results from the combination of their slender physique, slim lower legs, efficient oxygen consumption, and, possibly, the influence of altitude.
Photo credit: 4Kenya's Weblog
1 comment:
I have been doing a lot of reading lately and have found that both the kalenjin traditions and language are significantly similar to those of the ancient Hamitic Egyptians.
Post a Comment