The big interview

By FRANKLINE OKUTOYI

Vivian Cheruiyot is a Kenyan long distance athlete and has over the years competed in 10,000 and 5,000 metres races. In 2009, she won silver in both races in Osaka, Japan. This year, she won a gold medal in both races during the recently concluded world athletics championship held in South Korea.

Her advice to Generation Next readers? Work hard at your studies and get focused on everything in your life. She answered questions from pupils of Elirama School, in Ngong’.

Salim Mohammed, eleven years.

Was athletics your favourite sport while growing up? What is the toughest role about being an athlete?

Vivian: I believe it has been and will remain my best sport. My toughest role has been maintaining the status as a winner. I always work hard to maintain that which is not something easy because your opponents are always busy also working towards that.

Evon Gacheri, 12 years.

Why is that most of Kenyans are better athletes compared to their Western counterparts? Who encouraged you to take up athletics as your preferred sport?

Vivian: I think most Kenyans are good because of the country’s athletics history. Athletics is a rare talent. Many Kenyans have over the years joined athletics to emulate the pioneers who excelled. I was encouraged to choose athletics by fellow athletes who had succeeded in their lives through sport.

Meldah Debora, 12 years.

What gives you the passion for running that fast? Between education and athletics, which one would you prefer?

Vivian: The desire to win every race is what gives me the passion to continue running. Both education and athletics are important because talent and knowledge are two important things that one needs in life. Promoting your talent doesn’t mean you desert your education. However, wealthy you may be, education is paramount.

Rodgers Ngahu, eleven years.

How do you feel wining international races and getting honoured? Do you think someone whose parents have been athletes can become a good athlete just like you?

Vivian: It feels great being awarded for winning a race. Winning in everything is everybody’s aspirations. Yes, someone whose parents have been athletes can become a seasoned athlete, but it all depends on hard work.