Kenyan footballer Ethan Henry Gwendo, based in Florida, USA, has been named a finalist for the prestigious Youth Athlete of the Year award organized by Colossal. He is the only African among the five finalists vying for a Sh3.2 million ($25,000) bonus and a feature in Sports Illustrated.

• Gwendo, at just 17, aims to play for the Harambee Stars and pursue professional football, crediting his single mother and family for their immense support and sacrifice.
• The competition, which launched on July 28 and concludes in October, emphasizes perseverance, with event organizers linking it to charitable causes like the Why Not You Foundation and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
• A feature in Sports Illustrated, via Russell Wilson's 3BRAND, would mark a significant milestone for the young athlete, who remains deeply connected to his Kenyan roots despite living in the US.