Why Kerubo is now the next big thing in Kenyan weightlifting

Mercy Kerubo displays six medals (3 golds and 3 silvers) she won in the women's 64kg category during the Africa Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships held in Nairobi in November 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Ever-blazing Mercy Kerubo is literally on fire! Just at 16, the Form Three student at Langata Road Secondary School in Nairobi has proved her mettle in her first attempt at the African Weightlifting Championships ongoing in Ismailia, Egypt.

Taking part in the women’s 63kg category, the African Youth champion grabbed 81 in snatch and 95 in clean and jerk to secure Kenya’s bronze at the cutthroat continental showdown.