Jemima Sumgong delivers Kenya's first gold in Rio

Kenya won its first Olympic gold medal in Rio on Sunday courtesy of Marathoner, Jemima Jelagat Sumgong.

#Kenya's Sumgong evades protester to win Olympic marathon https://t.co/sZjgVyucEP pic.twitter.com/plhyHq626V

— Reuters Africa (@ReutersAfrica) August 15, 2016

Sumgong produced a scintillating performance and made history by becoming the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the 42 kilometre race, in a time of 2 hours 24 minutes 04 seconds.

Congratulations Jemima Sumgong for winning first ever Gold for #KEN in women Olympics #marathon. #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/kS1T24cd8U

— AMB:Amina Mohamed (@AMB_A_Mohammed) August 14, 2016

The race had its fare share of drama as a protester leaped over the barriers and darted onto the marathon course but was caught by security.

However, this did not deter 31 year old Sumgong who also won the London Marathon in April this year.

From London to making history at Rio,Jemima Sumgong has once again made our motherland proud.#TukoImaraAngani #Gold pic.twitter.com/28EWLzM5ua

— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) August 15, 2016

Kenyan -turned -Bahraini runner, Eunice Kirwa took silver in 2 hours 24 minutes 13 seconds , while reigning world champion Mare Dibiba from Ethiopia settled for bronze in 2 hours 24 minutes 30 seconds.

Reuters