The top athlete in each event receives a gold medal. The contestant who comes in 2nd place receives a silver medal, and the athlete in third place receives the bronze.
Kenyan David Rudisha, 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist in the 800m race, is the Patron of the Maasai Olympics. A proud Maasai warrior himself, David is a soft-spoken, dedicated advocate of his people and culture.
Following the medals presentation, David Rudisha (far left) poses with the 3 top winners in the high jump competition. In addition to the medals, each of these winners receives a cash prize.
Although the Maasai is a male-dominated culture, the young female athletes are not left out of this important event. The girls competed in 2 races: 100m and 1500 m. The top 3 winners in each race receive medals and cash prizes.
This beautiful trophy is awarded to the manyatta that accumulates the most points throughout the 6 track & field events. In addition to this symbol, the manyatta also receives a prize breeding bull.
The manyatta celebrates with one of their medal-winning warriors.
To be included in such a unique, significant cultural event outside our own culture is both eye opening and thrilling for both Lewis and me.