By Robert Kibet
September 17, 2025: On Wednesday afternoon, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was alive with energy as Kenya welcomed home the second group of athletes from the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Among those arriving were young talents and seasoned runners whose journeys reflect the future of Kenyan athletics.
The group included Ishmail Kipkurui Rokitto, fresh from an NCAA triumph in the United States and now making his debut in the senior 10,000m; Vincent Ng’etich, who carried Kenya’s marathon hopes; Benson Kiplangat, the 2021 World Under-20 5,000m champion building momentum at the senior level; and Stanley Waithaka, one of the country’s trusted distance runners.
For Vincent Ng’etich, running the marathon in Tokyo was as much about mental strength as it was about endurance.
“Running 42 kilometres in Tokyo was a huge challenge,” he said. “The climate and altitude differences tested me, but wearing Kenya’s colours gave me motivation. I’ve learned that competing on the global stage takes resilience, and I want young runners back home to know that every step is worth it.”
Ishmail Rokitto, who has balanced studies and competition in the U.S., described his race as the start of something bigger:
“The NCAA gave me access to world-class facilities and competition, but Tokyo was another level. It showed me that I can compete with the very best. For me, this is just the beginning. My message to young athletes is that discipline and belief can take you anywhere.”
While the athletes reflected on their races, their coaches underlined lessons that future champions can build on. Marathon coach Amos Korir explained that despite strong preparation in Eldoret and Kapsabet, the Tokyo heat proved decisive.
“We trained hard, but extreme weather conditions made it tough. Magdalene Masai was in the top three until the 38th kilometre before the heat overwhelmed her. In the future, we must also prepare in hot, low-altitude environments. These are lessons not just for today’s athletes but also for the next generation.”
Coach Sammy Bii echoed the call for better preparation:
“Normally, marathon training should take four months, but this time we only had two. Still, six athletes chose to sacrifice their city marathons to represent Kenya, which shows commitment. For our young athletes, this is a reminder that success requires sacrifice, resilience, and support from the system around you.”
Officials from the Ministry of Sports and Athletics Kenya praised the athletes as ambassadors who continue to inspire. Their words matched the mood at JKIA, where families and supporters embraced the runners not only as champions but also as role models for the country’s youth.
As the championships in Tokyo continue, Kenya’s young stars carry with them more than medals. They bring home lessons of perseverance, teamwork, and courage—values that the next generation of runners will need as they dream of carrying Kenya’s flag even higher.
