First Annual Maasai Olympics - Part III

This is Part III of III in our series on the First Annual Maasai Olympics.  Click here for Part I, and here for Part II of our adventures at this exciting cultural and community event!

A moran jumps in the high jumping competition, thrilling the assembled crowd.

Last but not least was the final event of the day, the traditional high jump.  With the entire audience clustered around the jumping area the morani (warriors) competing  were initially hard to see, but soon they began jumping so high they were easily visible.  Contested from a standing start, the competition measured how high a jumper could reach with his head.  The bar moved up and up, and soon only a few competitors remained.  After a closely-contested jump-off to determine the medals that was followed with bated breath by the crowd, the final order was determined and the winners celebrated and paraded around the grounds.

Gorgeous, brilliantly-colored shukas and intricate jewelry was worn by nearly all attendees.

During a short break the medals podium was set up and the awards ceremony began.  Guests of honor presented many of the medals and cash prizes, including 2012 Champion of the Earth Samson Parashina of MWCT.

Maasai women in bright kanga looking on at the high jumping competition.

After all the individual awards the team trophies were presented, with Mbirikani pulling ahead at the end of the day to take top position.  Olgulului came second, with Rombo and Kuku behind, but it was Mbirikani was led their whole contingent in a great parade around the competition area.

Two young Maasai warriors strain for a better view of the jumping competitors.

The Olympics concluded with short speeches from the guests of honor emphasizing the value of community efforts and the new traditions formed throughout the 1st Annual Maasai Olympics, and then a meal of nyama choma (roast goat) was shared by all.  All told it was an excellent day, with fierce but respectful competition on all sides, and a great spectacle for all who attended.

First Annual Maasai Olympics - Part II

This is Part II of III in our series on the First Annual Maasai Olympics.  Click here to see Part I...

Near the beginning of the 5000m, when it was still a closely-contested race.

Having finished the throwing events the Olympics progressed to the running events, with 800 metre world record-holder, reigning Olympic gold medal champion, and Maasai tribe member David Rudisha serving as honorary guest and race official.  First was the 5000-metre run, contested over 12 1/2 laps on the makeshift 400-metre track lined with cheering spectators.

The beautiful medals given as prizes for the five main events - javelin, rungu, 200m, 5000m, and high jumping.

After some early battling for the lead by a trio of Mbirikani runners, a runner from Rombo took over the race and won handily, by more than 200 metres.  With his victorious race he won a trip to the United States to run in the 2013 New York Marathon, a trip sponsored by the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.  If you would like to join the MWCT Team and run with this proud warrior in November, please follow this blog and check back soon!

After each event, members of the victorious manyatta would storm the field and parade their champion around.

The 5000 metres was followed by the first women's event, the 1500-metre run.  A close-fought race from start to finish, it was a great chance for the young Maasai women to participate in the Olympics as well.  Next came the sprints, with Mbirikani sweeping the top two spots in the 200-metre sprint, and a spirited 100-metre dash from the women.

This is Part II of III in our series on the First Annual Maasai Olympics.  Check back in a couple days for the final installment, Part III...