Heroic welcome for world record holder Chepkoech
Athletics
By
Gilbert Kimutai
| Jul 29, 2018
Her parents say she loved athletics from her childhood.
Beatrice Chepkoech returned home on Friday to a heroic welcome after breaking 3,000m steeplechase world record at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Monaco, France, last week.
On hand to receive her back home after breaking a two-year-old world record were their family members, relatives, Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter and Bomet Deputy Governor Hillary Barchok.
The procession that had Gabriel Kiptonui, her coach, Athletics Kenya head coach Julius Kirwa and a host of athletes from Kericho Athletics Club, blaring siren and all, melted into the rather quiet Besiobei Village in Kanoin Sub County without incident to a huge party at Chepkoech’s home. They broke into song and dance as the convoy of 15 vehicles entered at the compound.
Chepkoech’s mother Mary Sitonik and her father Elijah Sitonik, hugged their daughter and garlanded her with Sinendet, a Kalenjin ornamental plant used to honour community’s heroes and heroines.
Mary could not believe her daughter’s feat as he broke into tears. She said Chepkoech pulled a surprise. “When she left for the competition, we prayed for her to win and little did we know she was going to break the world record but we thank God and wish her well in her career,” she said.
Mary said Chepkoech had huge athletics dreams from childhood. “She had all along wanted to to be a successful athlete. She worked hard throughout schools days until now as a career athlete,”she said, advising her to stay focused.
Mzee Sitonik said Chepkoech’s discipline and humility helped her excel in athletics.
“It’s her humility that has taken my daughter this far and I like her for determination and hard work. If it was not for her efforts, I am sure we would not have reached this far,” he said. “We have always encouraged her after realizing she was interested in athletics.”
Her coach Kiptonui described her as an athlete with a vision. He said unlike some other athletes whom he has coached, Chepkoech has shown commitment. “She is one person who is serious in training and it helped her break the world record,” said Kiptonui.
Most of the leaders asked Chepkoech and Kenyan athletes to desist from doping menace.
Charles Lang’at, a neighbour, said: “At least one of our own has gone and conquered the world and we are proud of her. We could not imagine that a chopper would one day land in our village.”
CS Keter, who flew in a chopper to the fete, said: “Running has only been associated with North Rift but your performance has send a signal that even us in South Rift have the ability to produce the best.”
Barchok challenged the athlete to mentor more athletes from the region. “Now you have set an example, mentor more athletes so that we can write history in the coming days as a hub of world beaters,” said Barchok.the deputy governor.
The Deputy Governor said the good athletics performance compelled the county to set up an athletics camp in
Tegat area of Bomet East where athletics talents would be tapped.
“Soon construction of the camp will start and athletes who have missed places in athletics camps get a chance to train,” he said.
Other leaders present were Konoin MP Brighton Yegon, Gideon keter (nominated), Bomet Women Representative Joyce Korir and senators Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho) and Christopher Langat (Bomet).