By Robert Kibet
NAIROBI, September 18 – When world marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, the cheers, songs, and dances that welcomed her back from Tokyo were more than just a celebration of her gold medal. For many young Kenyans, it was a moment of inspiration, a reminder that dreams born on dusty village tracks can blossom into global victories.
Jepchirchir, 31, had just delivered one of Kenya’s greatest moments at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo by reclaiming the women’s marathon crown. Her triumph, earned after overcoming injuries and intense rivalry with Ethiopia, sent a strong message to the youth: setbacks are never the end, but stepping stones to greater heights.
“Winning this gold means so much to me. It motivates me to aim higher,” she said on arrival. “Kenyans believe in me, they trust me, and they pray for me. This gold is for them.”
The reception was led by Jonah Towett, Senior Assistant Secretary at the State Department for Sports, alongside Athletics Kenya officials headed by Elizabeth Keitany, long-distance coach Joseph Kahugu, and AK Safeguarding Secretary Mary Keitany. Traditional dancers added color, while young fans pressed against the barriers, hoping to get a glimpse of their hero.
Mary Keitany, speaking for the federation, connected Jepchirchir’s success to the broader vision of motivating the next generation. “Peres has made Kenya proud once again. As a federation and as a country, we are confident that in the remaining races in Tokyo, our athletes will continue to shine and bring home more medals. But most importantly, this win shows our youth that with discipline and courage, anything is possible,” she said.
Coach Kahugu underlined the determination that carried Jepchirchir through the sweltering Tokyo heat. “Peres was strong from the beginning to the end. She believed in herself and executed the plan perfectly. It was tough against Ethiopia, but she held her ground,” he said.
For young runners watching across Kenya, her story is rich with lessons. She once held the women-only world record, only to see it broken by a rival. Yet instead of giving up, she turned that disappointment into fuel for her Tokyo comeback. Her persistence highlights the importance of resilience, an attitude that applies not just in sport, but in school, work, and life.
The government, represented by Towett, promised continued support for athletics. “We congratulate our heroes, especially our gold medalists, for making Kenya proud. The government assures all athletes of full support as they continue to inspire the nation,” he said.
As more Kenyan athletes return from Tokyo in the coming days, carrying medals and stories of courage, the message to the youth is clear: the baton is in your hands. From rural schools to community tracks, the next Jepchirchir may already be lacing up their shoes, dreaming of flying Kenya’s flag high.
For now, the spotlight belongs to Jepchirchir, Kenya’s golden marathon queen, whose victory in Tokyo will inspire a generation to believe that greatness is possible.
