Sports

In the history of distance running, few athletes have combined sheer dominance with the philosophical gravitas of Eliud Kipchoge. 

The Kenyan legend didn't just break records; he broke the four-minute-mile-equivalent psychological barrier in the marathon, showing the world that perceived limits are merely mental constructs.

Born in Kapsisiywa on November 5, 1984, Kipchoge’s journey from a humble upbringing to global icon is a testament to discipline, resilience, and a voracious appetite for self-improvement. 

Aldrine Kibet has emerged as one of Kenya’s most promising young footballers, making headlines in 2025 after signing a four-year deal with Spanish side Celta Vigo in July.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder, who first rose to prominence at St. Anthony’s Boys High School in Kitale, now features for RC Celta Fortuna, the club’s Under 19 team. His move marked an important milestone for Kenyan football and a global recognition of local talent.

Lilian Odira is a Kenyan middle-distance runner who specialises in the 800 metres race.

She first gained national recognition in 2024 when she became Kenya’s national 800 metres champion and went on to claim a silver medal at the African Championships held in Douala, Cameroon. The same year, Odira qualified for the Paris Olympics, cementing her place among Kenya’s elite middle-distance runners.  

Agnes Ngetich is a Kenyan long-distance runner who, at just 23, has already achieved many records to her name.

Ngetich made headlines when she won two medals at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships, securing bronze in the senior women's race and team gold, held in Bathurst, Australia.

The young runner was no stranger to milestones, having broken the women-only world 10km record at the Transylvania 10km in Brașov, Romania, with a time of 29:24 in September 2023.

Jackline Juma is a Kenyan football coach and one of the few female trailblazers in the sporting world, which is largely viewed as a male-dominated territory.

Juma made history in August this year when she shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first female coach to lead an FKF Premier League team, Talanta FC.

Her appointment as the head coach of FC Talanta marked a significant achievement, not just for her, but for the entire football community in Kenya.

John Korir is a Kenyan middle-distance runner who put his name on the world map thanks to an extraordinary 2024.

The athlete not only upheld Kenya's famous reputation for producing top runners this year, he did so in style by shattering his own record.

Born in Kitale in 1996, there were hints that Korir was destined for greatness as he followed in the footsteps of his older brother Wesley Korir, who famously won the Boston Marathon in 2012.

Angela Okutoyi is a trailblazing Kenyan tennis player renowned for her achievements as a junior. At just 20 years old, she became the first Kenyan woman in 29 years to win a professional tennis event.

She was the youngest player to represent Kenya at the Billie Jean King Cup after making a debut at the age of 14 in 2018. Okutoyi was the first Kenyan to lift the African Junior Championship in 2021. Although she didn’t make it for the Olympics 2024, Okutoyi has made remarkable achievements.

Benson Kipruto is a Kenyan marathoner who has won multiple major marathons and is one of the most consistent and accomplished road runners, his latest being competing at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.

The 33-year-old has an impressive track record, including victories at the Boston Marathon in 2021, the Chicago Marathon in 2022, and the Tokyo Marathon earlier this year.

Alexander Mutiso Munyao is a record-breaking Kenyan long-distance runner who had a stellar year in 2024, solidifying his position as one of Kenya’s elite marathon runners. 

His standout achievement was claiming victory at the prestigious TCS London Marathon, marking his first-ever World Marathon Majors title. 

Munyao clocked an impressive 2:04:01 to beat seasoned Ethiopian runner Kenenisa Bekele, a 21-time global titleholder, in a gripping head-to-head finish. 

Peres Jepchirchir is a Kenyan long-distance athlete who reaffirmed her status as one of the world's greatest marathon runners in 2024 with a record-breaking performance at the London Marathon on April 21. 

She claimed victory in the women’s elite race, setting a women-only world record of 2:16:16. This remarkable feat shattered Mary Keitany's 2017 record by 45 seconds, highlighting her unmatched endurance and tactical prowess​.